COLUMBUS, NC – Best known for his role on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners, Josh Owens has built a reputation as one of the series’ most dynamic and resilient figures. Since joining the cast in 2012, Josh has gained a dedicated fanbase thanks to his charisma, rugged good looks, and unconventional journey into the moonshine world.
Born in August 1977 in Columbus, North Carolina, Owens’ path to distilling wasn’t traditional. Unlike many of his castmates who learned the trade in their youth, Josh only began making moonshine in his early 30s. He was mentored by the late Barney Barnwell, who encouraged Josh to carry on his legacy by constructing an underground still. After Barney’s passing, Josh was invited to join the Moonshiners cast—and the rest is history.
Off-screen, Josh is known for his love of racing and nature. A former professional motocross rider, he also runs a landscaping company, Tree and Yardbusters. He’s a devoted father, often sharing photos with his daughter on social media. Though once in a long-term relationship with her mother, the pair separated amicably. Josh later dated Amber Lynn Gabrick, with whom he still shares custody of a pet dog.
His journey, however, hasn’t been without turbulence.
Brushes with Trouble & Tragedy
Josh was notably absent from much of Season 10, sparking online rumors of an arrest. The truth was less dramatic—he’d unknowingly set up distilling gear in a building that didn’t belong to his friend, landing him in hot water with the landlord.
That wasn’t his only misstep. Owens previously burned down both his home and trailer in separate moonshine-related accidents. His luck with motorcycles hasn’t been much better. In 2018, a blown tire on his Harley-Davidson sent him crashing into a wall at Daytona. Suffering multiple injuries including a punctured lung and broken bones, he faced a difficult recovery without health insurance.
More recently, Owens was involved in another serious crash at Daytona International Speedway during a racing event. Initial reports conflicted—some falsely claimed he had died. However, a Facebook page managed by a close source confirmed Josh is in stable condition.
Moonshiners: A Legacy of Real (and Rumored) Rebellion
Moonshiners, produced by Magilla Entertainment and airing since 2011, profiles distillers across Appalachia. Inspired by the late Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton—an iconic bootlegger who died by suicide in 2009 to avoid federal prison—the series has drawn both admiration and controversy.
Authorities in Virginia once claimed the show staged its illegal activities. Despite requests to include a disclaimer, producers insisted the show was entirely authentic.
The current lineup includes Josh Owens, Tim Smith, Mark Ramsey, Eric “Digger” Manes, and Stephen Ray Tickle. Former cast members like Jeff and Lance Waldrop, and Jim Tom Hedrick, remain beloved.
Tragedy struck the Moonshiners community in 2021 when Lance Waldrop died at 30 from congenital heart failure. Though initial speculation linked his death to past drug use, his family clarified that Lance had been sober for years. His health complications and 600-pound frame ultimately led to his passing.
A Tribute to Marvin ‘Popcorn’ Sutton
Born in 1946 in Maggie Valley, NC, Marvin Sutton lived and died by moonshine. A fixture of the underground trade, Sutton authored Me and My Likker and filmed a VHS home video chronicling his life and craft. His confrontations with the law were frequent, but it was a 2007 federal conviction that sealed his fate.
Before serving an 18-month prison sentence, Sutton ended his life via carbon monoxide poisoning. His daughter claimed he had long planned to go out on his own terms. He was later reburied on his property, with country star Hank Williams Jr. among mourners.
Looking Ahead
As Josh Owens continues to recover from his latest injury, fans hope to see the beloved Moonshiner back on the screen and back on his feet soon. His journey—from motocross tracks to backwoods stills—remains one of Moonshiners’ most compelling stories.
Stay tuned to The Appalachian Gazette for more updates on the cast, controversies, and legacy of America’s most notorious moonshine makers.
