The Pioneer Life has always held a fascination for those of us who live in urban areas. Homesteading is a way of life that allows individuals and families to reconnect with a simpler lifestyle, one that is more in tune with nature. However, homesteading can be a treacherous endeavor and many lives have been tragically lost trying to conquer the land and make it a home.
One of the most well-known tragedies associated with Homesteading occurred on the Discovery Channel's show Homestead Rescue. This popular show, which follows the Raney family as they help failing homesteaders get back on their feet and survive in the wilderness, has had one of its own crewmembers perish while filming an episode.
The crewmember was 38-year-old Kory “Gunsmoke” Dresel. Dresel was an experienced outdoorsman and had been Homestead Rescue’s hazardous tree-felling expert for two years before his tragic death. He passed away on January 22, 2018 after a fatal accident while clearing a homesteader’s trees.
Dressel’s death certainly rocked the Homestead Rescue team, who had become a close-knit extended family over their many years working together. The show’s executive producer, Aaron Cohen, said that Kory was “the big brother of the Homestead Rescue crew” and was known for his skill, enthusiasm, and the friendship he extended to everyone on the show.
On the Discovery Channel’s blog, one of Kory’s co-workers wrote a tribute to him that captured his spirit perfectly: “He roared with laughter and enthusiasm, even when things weren’t going great. Kory knew that in these hard and risky times to stop and enjoy yourself.”
The Homestead Rescue show has had to soldier on without Kory. Though his death was painful and untimely, the show continues to honor his memory by always reminding viewers that safety is of the utmost importance.
Kory is gone, but his memory will live on forever. His infectious laugh, attention to safety, and passion for the Homestead Rescue mission will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
