James Harness, star of the popular Discovery Channel series Gold Rush has died, he was 57.
According to The Examiner, although Harness’ cause of death was initially not disclosed, Harness reportedly died due to complications from a stroke. The Examiner also reports that James Harness died on July 3 but in the days immediately after his death, his passing has become news which has led to its more widespread reporting as of late.TMZ was the first o report on Harness' death according to The Examiner.
Gold Rush creator Todd Hoffman has used Twitter to express his grief. He posted one tweet on the day Harness died and another yesterday morning.
RIP James Harness.
— Todd Hoffman (@goldrushtodd) July 3, 2014
Remembering the good times I had with a friend. #jamesharness #RIP
— Todd Hoffman (@goldrushtodd) July 5, 2014
Others involved with the series including producer Christo Doyle and Harness' fellow miner David Turin have also paid their respects to Harness on Twitter.
Harness’ health problems were a publicized part of his time on Gold Rush. The Examiner reports that Harness had suffered severe back pain as a result of a spine injury he sustained in a car accident. His injury and the pain it caused him made it difficult for him to come to work several times throughout his stint on the show and also reportedly led to a dependency on painkillers. Harness was let go from the show during its second season.
He is survived by his two children, a son and a daughter.