🎬 Jerry Benson’s Near-Death Experience
For more than a decade, Moonshiners star Jerry Benson has been a fixture on the Discovery Channel, showcasing traditional Appalachian liquor-making. But in 2021, fans feared the worst when the master distiller was hospitalized with severe health complications.
Suffering from dangerously high blood pressure, Jerry experienced sudden weakness, sweating, and vomiting before being rushed to a local hospital. He was later transferred to Asheville, where doctors discovered internal bleeding. His business partner and friend, Mike Cockrell, publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “His blood pressure is at a stage where he should be dead.”
Jerry’s girlfriend, Kiera, traveled from Indiana to be by his side, and fans flooded social media with well-wishes after the Moonshiners Facebook page shared a photo of Jerry in recovery. Thankfully, by the end of 2022, Jerry was back on his feet, distilling spirits and enjoying life.
💔 Tragic Losses in the ‘Moonshiners’ Family
While Jerry recovered, tragedy struck the Moonshiners cast. In March 2021, Lance Waldrop, just 30 years old, died from congenital heart failure. Weighing over 500 pounds, Lance had shown no outward signs of distress before his sudden passing. Known for his cheerful demeanor, Lance worked closely with his father Jeff in North Carolina.
Another beloved personality, Steve Ray Tickle, narrowly escaped death twice—once from a fall off a roof, breaking six ribs, and more recently, in a serious car crash. Legal troubles followed, landing him in jail while still on probation.
The legendary Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, whose bootlegging legacy inspired many modern moonshiners, tragically died by suicide in 2009 after being sentenced to federal prison for illegal distilling. Clips from his 2002 documentary were prominently featured in the first season of Moonshiners, cementing his legacy.
🔥 Rumors, Breakups & Reunions
In early 2021, fans noticed that Jerry and Mike had stopped posting about each other, sparking rumors of a fallout. The split turned out to be business-related: Mike joined forces with Tennessee Shine Company, while Jerry continued independently. Despite the tension, the duo later reconciled and reunited on screen.
The latest season sees Jerry and Mike teaming up with Solomon Sutton, son of Popcorn Sutton, to develop new liquor recipes. Also joining the team is Amanda Bryant, the first female winner of Master Distiller, known for her signature hazelnut moonshine.
🌟 The Rise of Danielle “Shine Girl” Parton
One of the most talked-about additions to the Moonshiners franchise is Danielle Parton, niece of country music icon Dolly Parton. A military pilot turned moonshiner, Danielle launched “Shine Girl,” a female-led spirit brand. Her aim? “If women will drink it, men will buy it,” she quipped. Danielle’s rich family history in moonshining—and her resemblance to Dolly—have made her an instant fan favorite.
🏭 Moonshining: From Rebellion to Respect
Once a symbol of rebellion against excessive government taxation, moonshining has deep roots in U.S. history. The craft flourished during Prohibition and evolved into a cultural icon, especially in the Appalachian region. Many believe this legacy even sparked the birth of NASCAR, as bootleggers modified their cars to evade law enforcement.
Today, while illegal moonshining persists in pockets, most of what’s shown on TV is legally produced under licensed distilleries. Despite the mystique, Moonshiners blends storytelling with legality, celebrating a craft that continues to evolve.
🏁 What’s Next?
Now celebrating over a decade on the air, Moonshiners shows no signs of slowing down. With a new generation of distillers, family legacies, and creative concoctions, the series remains a toast to tradition—and resilience.
Stay tuned for more from the hills of Appalachia.
