For over a decade, Moonshiners, the hit Discovery Channel series, has brought the time-honored and often illegal tradition of Appalachian moonshining into living rooms across America. Through triumph and tragedy, health scares and heartbreak, the men and women of the show continue to honor a legacy that dates back centuries—and today, we bring you the latest on some of its most beloved stars.
Master Distiller Jerry Benson’s Brush with Death and Triumphant Return
Jerry Benson, the master distiller and long-time fan favorite, nearly left the show—and the world—behind due to a harrowing health scare. About a year ago, Jerry was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe weakness, vomiting, and uncontrollable sweating. Doctors quickly identified dangerously high blood pressure and internal bleeding.
“His blood pressure was at a level where most people don’t come back,” said his partner and fellow Moonshiner Mike Cockrell. “Something was definitely going wrong with the brain.”
After being transferred to Asheville for advanced treatment, Benson spent several difficult days fighting for his life. His girlfriend, Kiera, traveled from Indiana to be by his side. Fans flooded social media with well wishes, and in September 2021, the official Moonshiners page posted a heartfelt message wishing Jerry a speedy recovery.
As of December 2022, Benson appears to have made a full recovery. His social media shows him back at the distillery, immersed in his work, and enjoying life again.
Loss in the Moonshine Family: Lance Waldrop’s Tragic Death
Not all tales end in recovery. In March 2021, tragedy struck when Lance Waldrop, known for his upbeat spirit and work alongside his father Jeff, passed away suddenly at age 30. Found unresponsive in his bedroom, Lance’s death was later attributed to congenital heart failure—exacerbated by obesity. Weighing over 500 pounds, Lance had struggled silently with health issues despite maintaining a hardworking presence on the show.
Close Calls and Legal Woes: Steve Ray Tickle’s Wild Ride
Fan-favorite Steve Ray Tickle has narrowly escaped death not once but twice—first from a fall that broke six ribs and sidelined him for months, then from a serious car accident that landed him in jail. Though never officially part of the core cast, Tickle’s notoriety has made him a staple of Moonshiner lore.
A Legacy Remembered: The Spirit of Popcorn Sutton
Though gone, Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton remains a spiritual cornerstone of the franchise. Featured heavily in the first season through vintage documentary footage, Sutton embodied the outlaw moonshiner ethos. In 2009, facing 18 months in federal prison, Sutton died by suicide—choosing to go out on his own terms rather than behind bars.
Partnerships, Rumors, and Renewed Bonds
Mike Cockrell and Jerry Benson, once rumored to have split, have since rekindled their working relationship. Though business differences temporarily saw them part ways—Mike joined the Tennessee Shine Company, while Jerry went solo—the duo is back together on-screen for Season 12, even teaming up with Solomon Sutton, Popcorn’s son.
Together, they are working on new recipes, refining their craft, and passing on their passion to a new generation.
Women in Moonshining: Amanda Bryant and Danielle Parton Blaze Trails
Moonshining isn’t just a man’s world anymore.
Amanda Bryant made headlines with her hazelnut liquor victory on Master Distiller. A self-taught distiller, Amanda is now one of the few women to gain recognition in the traditionally male-dominated field.
Meanwhile, Danielle Parton—better known as the “Shine Girl”—brings star power and grit to the scene. A combat-decorated military pilot and niece to country icon Dolly Parton, Danielle launched her own line of spirits in 2022. Shine Girl focuses on products designed by and for women, an innovative approach in a centuries-old craft.
Mike Cockrell’s Family and Business Legacy
Outside the show, Mike Cockrell has been building a legacy of his own. The Mississippi native, who moved to Tennessee after high school, now runs the successful Tennessee Shine Company, which has expanded across four locations.
He recently celebrated eight years of marriage to his wife Jenna, with whom he shares three children. “These have been the best years of my life,” Mike wrote on social media, offering a rare glimpse into the private life of one of the series’ most consistent stars.
A Tradition Born in Rebellion
Moonshining’s history dates back to the American Revolution, when alcohol taxes sparked the Whiskey Rebellion. Its golden era, however, was Prohibition. From the backwoods of Appalachia to the bootlegger-fueled birth of NASCAR, moonshine was more than a drink—it was a movement.
Even today, the craft persists in pockets of resistance and creativity. From Finnish pontica to Cameroonian Odikotor, the global moonshine tradition remains alive, powerful, and, in some cases, dangerously potent—with alcohol contents reaching up to 80%.
Stay tuned for more updates, tributes, and Appalachian tales in next week’s issue of The Appalachian Times.
