For more than a decade, Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners has pulled back the curtain on a hidden world: the secret craft of backwoods liquor-making that’s fueled legends, run-ins with the law, and American rebellion since the 18th century. But behind the show’s colorful characters and rowdy spirits lie real struggles — health scares, tragic losses, brushes with the law — that remind fans that moonshining is as dangerous as it is iconic.
Jerry Benson’s Close Call
Master distiller Jerry Benson has been a mainstay on Moonshiners, famous for his calm presence and old-school skills. But about a year ago, Benson’s craft almost cost him his life.
In 2021, Benson was rushed to the hospital after suffering sudden weakness, severe sweating, and vomiting. Doctors discovered alarming internal bleeding and life-threatening blood pressure levels. “His blood pressure is at a stage where he should be dead at this point,” said Mike Cockrell, Benson’s longtime partner in shine and mischief.
After weeks of worry and hospital stays stretching from rural clinics to a bigger facility in Asheville, Benson pulled through — to the relief of his girlfriend Kiera, who traveled from Indiana to be by his side, and fans who flooded social media with prayers and good wishes.
Today, Benson is back at his still, fully recovered and showing no signs of slowing down.
Loss of a Young Star
Not every Moonshiner has been so lucky. In March 2021, tragedy struck when Lance Waldrop, just 30, was found dead in his bedroom.
Lance, who starred alongside his father Jeff Waldrop in North Carolina, died of heart failure linked to obesity — he weighed over 500 pounds at the time. Fans remembered him for his relentless work ethic and good spirit, a bright spark lost too soon.
Tickle’s Nine Lives
Another Moonshiners staple, Steve Ray “Tickle” Tickle, has danced with death twice. First, when he fell from a roof he was fixing, breaking six ribs and putting him out of work for nearly a year. More recently, he survived a serious car crash — though the wreck landed him in jail for violating probation. Despite his brushes with the law, Tickle remains one of the show’s most enduring characters, as unpredictable as the back roads he runs.
Remembering Popcorn Sutton
While never officially part of the show, the legendary Popcorn Sutton is the spirit that hovers over Moonshiners. His 2002 self-made documentary This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make inspired a generation of bootleggers. Sutton’s final chapter was tragic: facing 18 months in federal prison for moonshining and gun possession at age 62 — and denied house arrest because of poor health — he took his own life by carbon monoxide poisoning just days before reporting to prison in 2009.
Rumors, Rivalries, and Real Business
Over the years, rumors swirled that Jerry Benson and Mike Cockrell had fallen out — or worse, been busted for illegal distilling.
But the truth was more mundane: the pair briefly split business paths, with Mike expanding his licensed Tennessee Shine Company to four tourist-friendly locations, while Jerry continued his craft independently. Today, the two appear stronger than ever, starring side by side in Season 12 and even mentoring Popcorn Sutton’s son Solomon Sutton in new liquor recipes.
New Faces: Women and Whiskey
The franchise is also getting a shot of new blood — and new perspectives. Amanda Bryant, one of the first women to show off her moonshining skills on the show, wowed judges on Master Distiller with her hazelnut liquor, beating out seasoned competitors.
Then there’s Danielle Parton, known as the “Shine Girl.” If her last name sounds familiar, it’s no coincidence — she’s the niece of country icon Dolly Parton. A decorated military pilot turned distiller, Danielle is on a mission to create spirits “by and for women,” aiming to rewrite a centuries-old craft long dominated by men.
Moonshining’s Enduring American Myth
Moonshine’s roots run deep: from the 18th century Whiskey Rebellion to the backroads of Prohibition-era Appalachia. Farmers once fought federal taxes by producing hidden whiskey in the hollers — a rebellion that gave birth to the moonshiner legend and, ironically, NASCAR.
While the show’s modern stars mostly operate under legal licenses today, the spirit of the outlaw lives on — in every jar, every homemade still, and every whispered story about hidden liquor runs through the hills.
As Moonshiners enters its second decade on air, one thing is clear: The liquor might be legal, but the legend — and the risk — will never die.
