Appalachia, USA – Fans of Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners were left worried when longtime cast member and master distiller Jerry Benson was hospitalized with life-threatening health problems. Today, Benson appears to have made a full recovery, returning to work alongside his partner Mike Cockrell on the hit reality series.
A Scare in 2021
In September 2021, Benson was rushed to the hospital after suddenly experiencing weakness, sweating, and vomiting. Doctors later discovered he was suffering from internal bleeding caused by dangerously high blood pressure. His partner, Mike Cockrell, admitted that Benson’s condition was “rough,” adding, “His blood pressure is at a stage where he should be dead.”
Benson’s girlfriend, Kiera, confirmed his hospitalization and traveled from Indiana to be by his side. Fans flooded the Moonshiners Facebook page with messages of support, hoping for the star’s recovery.
A Triumphant Return
By late 2022, Benson appeared to have fully recovered. Social media posts showed him back in his distillery and pursuing his hobbies. He has since rejoined Cockrell on Moonshiners and spin-off Master Distiller, where the pair collaborate with Solomon Sutton, son of legendary moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, on new recipes.
Losses and Close Calls
Benson’s health scare came amid other tragedies within the Moonshiners community. In March 2021, fellow star Lance Waldrop died unexpectedly at age 30 from congenital heart failure, linked to obesity. Meanwhile, veteran cast member Steven Ray Tickle has survived both a serious fall and a near-fatal car accident.
The late Popcorn Sutton—an icon of Appalachian moonshining whose life inspired the series—remains a looming figure. Sutton took his own life in 2009 after being sentenced to federal prison for illegal alcohol production.
Business and Friendship
Rumors once circulated that Benson and Cockrell had split after the two stopped posting about each other on social media. Cockrell had expanded into Tennessee Shine Company, while Benson continued on his own. Despite speculation, the pair have since reunited on screen, showing that their bond remains strong.
Cockrell, a Mississippi native turned Tennessee distiller, has built a thriving legal business with four locations across the state. Away from the still, he is a family man, married since 2014 with three children.
New Faces and Future of the Show
Moonshiners continues to grow with new cast members, including Danielle Parton—niece of country legend Dolly Parton—who launched her own spirits brand, Shine Girl.
Now in its 14th season, the series remains a blend of history, Appalachian tradition, and modern entrepreneurship. For Jerry Benson, his return to the screen after a near-death experience is a reminder of the resilience that defines both the man and the craft of moonshining.
