Deep in the Alaskan wilderness, 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle, lies the remote Kavik River Camp, managed by the indomitable Sue Aikens, a survival expert and star of National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series Life Below Zero.
Aikens’ life is a testament to self-reliance and resilience, built on a foundation of bushcraft and off-grid living. From her challenging childhood in Chicago to surviving a near-fatal bear attack, her story is one of endurance and ingenuity.
As a prominent figure in survival television, Aikens has established herself through her long-running role on Life Below Zero, showcasing extraordinary wilderness survival skills.
Key Takeaways
- Sue Aikens manages the remote Kavik River Camp in Alaska.
- She is a survival expert and star of Life Below Zero.
- Aikens’ life is marked by self-reliance and resilience.
- She has survived significant personal and professional challenges.
- Aikens is a prominent figure in survival television.
Early Life and Background
Sue Aikens’ life has been a testament to her resilience and adaptability, shaped significantly by her early years. Her story is one of transformation and survival, influenced by the environments she grew up in.
Childhood in Chicago
Sue Aikens spent her early years in the suburbs of Chicago, a life that took a dramatic turn when she was 12 years old. Following her parents’ divorce, her life underwent a significant change. She relocated to Fairbanks, Alaska, with her mother, who later returned to the Lower 48, leaving Sue to fend for herself. This period marked the beginning of her journey towards self-reliance.
Transition to Alaska
In Alaska, Sue was forced to adapt quickly to a new and harsh environment. With minimal adult supervision, she learned to hunt, fish, and survive in a tent. This wilderness experience during her formative teenage years laid the foundation for her later life above the Arctic Circle. Over the years, Sue developed a strong sense of self-reliance, a trait that would become essential to her survival. As she once noted, her dreams were different from those of her peers; she aspired to be a lighthouse keeper, craving solitude and independence.
The transition to Alaska and her subsequent independence had a lasting impact on Sue, shaping her into the resilient person she is known to be today. Her experience in the wilderness and her ability to survive with minimal resources are testaments to her strength and determination.
Life at Kavik River Camp
Sue Aikens’ life at Kavik River Camp is a testament to her resilience and self-reliance in one of Alaska’s most unforgiving environments. Before gaining national attention, Sue relied heavily on her advanced carpentry and mechanical skills to rebuild Kavik from the ground up.
Location and Living Conditions
Kavik River Camp is a remote outpost in Alaska that requires a unique set of skills to survive. Sue has transformed the camp into a fully self-sustaining, off-grid location through her hands-on abilities. She constructed shelves, repaired cabins, fixed critical infrastructure, and repurposed salvaged materials to create usable equipment.
- The camp’s isolation means that Sue must be highly resourceful, mastering skills such as carpentry, mechanical repair, hunting, trapping, and wilderness medicine.
- Water management is a significant challenge, requiring Sue to haul water from the river during summer and melt ice during winter months.
Daily Challenges and Survival Skills
Sue’s daily survival at Kavik River Camp involves managing a team of Alaskan Malamutes, running extensive traplines, and maintaining constant vigilance against predators. Unlike recreational hunters, Sue’s hunting activities are essential for survival, providing food, materials for tools, and other necessities.
- Her subsistence lifestyle involves hunting caribou and other game, and she must be prepared to face the challenges posed by grizzly bears, wolves, and wolverines.
- The harsh environment demands that Sue be skilled in multiple areas to ensure her survival and the sustainability of the camp.
Sue’s life as a hunter and a resident of Kavik River Camp exemplifies a deep connection to the natural world and a strong will to thrive in extreme conditions, embodying a true spirit of living off the land.
Television Career and Rise to Fame
Sue Aikens’ appearance on “Life Below Zero” marked a significant turning point in her life, bringing her isolated existence into the spotlight. The show, which documents the lives of individuals living in the Alaskan wilderness, provided a unique platform for Sue to share her survival skills and experiences with a wider audience.
Introduction to Life Below Zero
“Life Below Zero” is a reality TV series that follows individuals living in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Sue Aikens, with her expertise in hunting and trapping, became a central figure on the show. One notable episode featured Sue visiting New York City, where she experienced culture shock upon encountering the variety of food choices available in urban environments. She humorously noted the stark contrast between the ease of accessing food in the city and the physical effort required to secure meat in the Alaskan tundra.
Other Television Appearances
In addition to “Life Below Zero,” Sue has made other television appearances, further increasing her public profile. These appearances have allowed her to share her knowledge and experiences with a broader audience, solidifying her reputation as an expert in wilderness survival.
Impact of Fame on Her Life
Sue’s growing fame has had a dual impact on her life. On one hand, it has brought economic benefits through television compensation and increased business at Kavik River Camp. On the other hand, it has introduced new challenges related to privacy and public expectations. Sue maintains a measured relationship with social media, using digital platforms to connect with fans while preserving the boundaries necessary for her preferred lifestyle of solitude and self-reliance.
- Sue’s television fame has created a dichotomy in her life, contrasting her isolated existence with occasional high-profile appearances.
- The show documented her culture shock during departures from Alaska, including amazement at everyday conveniences and food varieties.
- Despite growing public recognition, Sue has maintained her authentic approach to Arctic living.
Sue Aikens’ Biography: Net Worth, Salary, Husband, Divorce, Children, Career
The harsh yet beautiful environment of Alaska has been Sue Aikens’ home for many years, and it’s where she has built her business empire. Her financial success is largely attributed to her entrepreneurial ventures, particularly Kavik River Camp.
Estimated Net Worth in 2025
As of the latest estimates, Sue Aikens’ net worth is expected to continue growing through 2025. Her diverse income streams, including her television career and business operations, contribute to her financial stability. With her camp serving as a crucial hub for Arctic adventurers and researchers, Sue’s financial future looks promising.
Income Sources and Salary from Life Below Zero
Sue Aikens earns a significant income from her appearances on “Life Below Zero.” Her salary from the show is a substantial part of her overall net worth. Additionally, she generates revenue through her business ventures, including guest stays and logistical support services at Kavik River Camp.
Business Ventures at Kavik River Camp
Kavik River Camp is a multifaceted business that provides various services to travelers and researchers in the Arctic region. The camp offers accommodation, fuel services, and logistical support, making it a vital stopover for those venturing into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Key services include:
- Accommodation at approximately $350 per day
- Fuel services, including Av-gas and Jet A-50
- Aviation logistics and a 5,500-foot runway for aircraft
- Logistical support for researchers, hunters, and adventurers
The strategic location of Kavik River Camp, being the only fuel station on the eastern North Slope, creates a monopoly that significantly contributes to Sue’s income. The camp’s operation is seasonal, primarily from June to September, generating substantial revenue during these months.
Personal Life and Relationships
Beyond her adventures in Alaska, Sue Aikens’ personal life is a story of love, loss, and resilience. Her experiences in the harsh Alaskan environment have not only tested her survival skills but also impacted her personal relationships.
First Marriage and Widowhood
Sue Aikens’ first marriage ended in widowhood, a loss that significantly affected her life. The challenges she faced in her personal life were compounded by the demands of living in remote Alaska.
Marriage to Eddie James Aikens
Her second marriage was to Eddie James Aikens. This period of her life was marked by both personal and professional challenges. The marriage eventually ended in divorce, a common outcome for many living in such isolated conditions.
Third Marriage and Divorce
Sue Aikens’ third marriage was to a childhood acquaintance she reconnected with after returning to Alaska. However, this relationship also ended in divorce after her husband confessed to having an affair with a younger woman, whom he later married. Sue has humorously referred to herself as a “black widow” due to having two deceased husbands, showcasing her ability to cope with adversity with humor.
“awww I have been married 3x… and 2 died to get away… I might be a handful. LOL… (thank you though)”
This tweet reflects Sue’s candid acknowledgment of her marital history and her characteristic humor in the face of personal challenges.
The dissolution of her third marriage coincided with her increasing commitment to life at Kavik River Camp, highlighting the challenges of maintaining traditional relationships in extreme isolation.
- Sue’s third marriage ended in divorce due to her husband’s infidelity.
- She has been married three times, with two of her husbands passing away.
- Her personal life has been marked by the challenges of living in remote Alaska.
Family Life and Children
Sue Aikens’ family life is a testament to her strong bonds with her children and grandchildren, despite her remote lifestyle in Alaska. Her ability to maintain these relationships is a significant aspect of her personal life.
Relationship with Her Children
Sue Aikens has a close relationship with her children, who are grown and have their own families. Her daughter, Jennifer Payne, has a daughter named Drew Alexandra Maddison McClurg, born in February 2003. Sue often refers to Drew as “Mini Me,” indicating a strong bond between them. Sue has been known to celebrate her grandchildren’s milestones, such as birthdays and prom events, showcasing her active involvement in their lives.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Sue is not only a mother but also a grandmother and great-grandmother. Drew, her granddaughter, celebrated her 22nd birthday in 2024. In early 2025, Drew welcomed a daughter named Alison, making Sue a great-grandmother for the first time. Sue expressed her excitement and pride through social media, marking significant milestones in her great-granddaughter’s life. Another grandchild, Amelia Jean Aikens, was born on January 23, 2020, to Jesse Aikens. Sue has also paid tribute to her late granddaughter, Pen, reflecting on nearly two decades of their grandmother-granddaughter relationship. Over the years, Sue has maintained connections with her younger generations despite geographical separation.
Health Challenges and Survival Stories
Sue Aikens’ journey on “Life Below Zero” has been punctuated by health issues, most notably a bear attack and multiple surgeries. Her experiences in the Alaskan wilderness have not only been documented on television but have also had a significant impact on her personal life.
The Bear Attack Incident
In a dramatic and life-threatening incident, Sue Aikens was attacked by a bear, resulting in severe injuries. This event highlighted the dangers of living in close proximity to wildlife in the Alaskan wilderness. The bear attack left her with lasting physical challenges.
Recent Health Issues and Surgeries
Beyond the bear attack, Sue Aikens has faced other health challenges, including injuries sustained during a snowmachine accident while filming “Life Below Zero.” She later filed a lawsuit against the show’s producers, alleging negligence in the handling of her emergency rescue. Sue has undergone multiple surgeries over the years, including spinal surgeries in 2020 and 2024, as shared through her social media updates. In 2024, she underwent spinal fusion surgery, involving discectomies and laminectomies, followed by injections targeting her lumbar and sacral spine. During her recovery, an old bear bite wound became infected, requiring additional treatment.
Conclusion
Through her role on Life Below Zero, Sue Aikens has demonstrated extraordinary self-reliance in one of the world’s most extreme environments. As the sole resident and manager of Kavik River Camp, located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Aikens showcases her wilderness survival skills.
Sue Aikens represents a remarkable example of human adaptability and resilience, having transformed from a Chicago suburban child to a recognized wilderness survival expert. Her journey demonstrates exceptional determination and resourcefulness in overcoming environmental challenges and personal adversities.
Despite achieving fame through reality television, Sue has maintained authenticity throughout her public life, prioritizing her connection to Kavik River Camp and her wilderness lifestyle. Her personal relationships, including her current engagement to Michael G. Heinrich, reflect the complex balance she navigates between her desire for human connection and her commitment to an isolated lifestyle.
As Sue continues to age and face health challenges, her legacy extends beyond television entertainment, embodying fundamental questions about self-reliance, wilderness ethics, and the human capacity to thrive in extreme environments.
## FAQ
### Q: What is Kavik River Camp, and how is it related to Sue Aikens?
A: Kavik River Camp is a remote lodge located in Alaska, and Sue Aikens is its owner and operator. The camp is featured in the National Geographic documentary series “Life Below Zero.”
### Q: How did Sue Aikens get her start on “Life Below Zero”?
A: Sue Aikens was introduced to the show after living in the Alaskan wilderness for many years. Her survival skills and unique lifestyle made her a great fit for the documentary series.
### Q: What is Sue Aikens’ estimated net worth?
A: Sue Aikens’ estimated net worth is around $500,000, largely due to her television appearances and business ventures at Kavik River Camp.
### Q: Has Sue Aikens been married, and does she have any children?
A: Yes, Sue Aikens has been married multiple times. She has a son, and her family life is occasionally featured on her social media and television appearances.
### Q: What was the bear attack incident involving Sue Aikens?
A: Sue Aikens was attacked by a bear in 2017. She survived the incident, although it was severe and required significant medical attention.
### Q: Is Sue Aikens still living at Kavik River Camp?
A: Yes, Sue Aikens continues to live and operate Kavik River Camp, despite various challenges, including harsh weather conditions and health issues.
### Q: What kind of business ventures does Sue Aikens operate at Kavik River Camp?
A: Kavik River Camp offers lodging and other services to visitors and hunters. Sue Aikens also generates income through her television appearances and related business activities.
### Q: How can fans follow Sue Aikens’ latest updates?
A: Fans can follow Sue Aikens on various social media platforms, where she occasionally shares updates about her life and business ventures.
