Sue Aikens, the star of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, has been in a long-term relationship with her husband, Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician from New York. For over 17 years, the couple has balanced their lives between Alaska and New York.
While Heinrich often visits Aikens in Alaska, their relationship, built on love, commitment, and mutual respect, endures despite the distance.
Sue Aikens Husband Michael Heinrich
Michael Heinrich has built a quiet life, removed from the spotlight. However, his connection with Sue Aikens has drawn attention from fans of Life Below Zero. While Sue thrives in a rugged Alaskan environment, Heinrich spends his days as an electrician in New York.
These contrasting worlds highlight how two very different paths can intersect—with trust, balance, and shared values forming the bridge that unites them.
Is Sue Aikens Married
Sue Aikens remains unmarried at present. The Life Below Zero star has gone through three marriages in the past, all of which ended in divorce. Today, she is in a long-term relationship with Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician from New York.
While deeply committed, the couple has not tied the knot and maintains a long-distance relationship built on trust and companionship.
Sue Aikens Children
She is a proud mother of three children, two sons and one daughter, from her previous marriages. While she has built her life in the remote Alaskan wilderness, her children have chosen to live outside Alaska, pursuing their own careers and forming their own families.
Despite the distance, Aikens maintains a close bond with them and often shares her pride in their accomplishments.
Sue Aikens Daughter
Sue Aikens’ daughter lives outside Alaska and has built a life away from the spotlight. Aikens occasionally shares glimpses of their relationship, reflecting her pride and affection as a mother.
Who is Sue Aikens
Sue Aikens is a survival expert with unique skills in self-reliance, resourcefulness, and operating in subzero isolation, best known for starring in National Geographic’s Emmy-winning Life Below Zero.
She manages Alaska’s remote Kavik River Camp, 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Her story exemplifies resilience, from surviving a near-fatal bear attack to building a career based on extraordinary wilderness expertise.
Sue Aikens Wikipedia & Biography
| Real Name | Susan Aikens |
| Known As | Sue Aikens, Survival Expert, TV Personality |
| Profession | Film Producer, Survivalist, Camp Owner |
| Employer | National Geographic (Life Below Zero), Owner of Kavik River Camp |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthday | July 1, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Net Worth | About $500,000 (as of 2025) |
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Early Life
Sue Aikens was born on July 1, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. She spent her early childhood in the city before moving to Alaska at age 12, where she quickly adapted to the harsh wilderness. This environment shaped her resilience, independence, and survival skills, forming the foundation for her later career on Life Below Zero.
Education
Sue Aikens completed her early schooling after moving to Alaska, where she quickly adapted to life in the wilderness. Without traditional higher education, she relied on hands-on survival experiences. These skills directly led to her role on Life Below Zero, highlighting her independence and resilience.
Career
Sue Aikens is best known as the star of National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series Life Below Zero, where she has appeared since 2013. Previously, she gained recognition for her appearance on Flying Wild Alaska and for managing the remote Kavik River Camp, located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
These experiences highlight her resilience and survival expertise, making her a standout in reality television.
Sue Aikens Life Below Zero
Sue Aikens, a standout star of National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series Life Below Zero, has showcased her survival skills at the remote Kavik River Camp in Alaska, 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle, since the show’s 2013 debut.
Her resilience, humor, and no-nonsense attitude inspire viewers as she thrives in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
Sue Aikens Bear Attack
In 2007, near the Kavik River, Sue Aikens was mauled by a grizzly bear while fetching water, sustaining severe injuries. Alone and far from help, she endured days before rescue, a testament to her resilience and survival skills.
The incident, often featured on Life Below Zero, underscores the dangers of living in remote Alaska.
Sue Aikens Net Worth
Sue Aikens has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $600,000, accumulated through her television appearances, business ownership, and various revenue streams.
Her income originates from multiple avenues that reflect both her survival skills and entrepreneurial drive.
Salary from Life Below Zero
Sue Aikens, a long-running cast member of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, earns a significant portion of her income from the show.
Reports suggest she makes tens of thousands of dollars per season, aligned with her ongoing presence and audience appeal. Her role on the series has a positive impact on her financial standing.
Kavik River Camp Business
Sue owns and operates the Kavik River Camp, located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The camp serves hunters, researchers, and adventure seekers, generating ongoing income through bookings and guided experiences. This business contributes to her overall net worth and reflects her entrepreneurial activities.
Merchandise and Online Store
Sue’s efforts extend beyond television and her camp. She also profits from branded merchandise and online sales. Items such as apparel, mugs, and memorabilia tied to her rugged lifestyle appeal to fans worldwide. These sales provide an additional revenue stream that complements her on-screen career.
Public Appearances and Media Features
Furthermore, Sue occasionally participates in interviews, documentaries, and public speaking engagements for which she can receive appearance fees or compensation.
Although these opportunities are less frequent, they offer supplementary income and help increase her visibility and brand as a survivalist and television personality.
Sue Aikens Earnings, Salary & Income
| Life Below Zero Salary | $40,000 – $60,000 per year |
| Kavik River Camp Business | $100,000 – $200,000 annually |
| Merchandise & Online Store | $20,000 – $40,000 annually |
| Public Appearances & Media | $30,000 – $50,000 annually |
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Did Sue Aikens Passed Away
Sue Aikens remains alive and thriving. The Life Below Zero star continues her off-grid existence at Alaska’s Kavik River Camp. Although false reports of her passing have confused fans, Aikens remains active and dedicated to her rugged lifestyle.
Where is Sue Aikens Today
Sue Aikens thrives in Alaska’s remote Kavik River Camp, fully embracing the wilderness lifestyle that made her a star on Life Below Zero. She balances her time between filming, running the camp, and maintaining her long-distance relationship with Michael Heinrich. Even after decades in the Arctic, Aikens shows no signs of leaving the rugged frontier she calls home.
Movies and TV Shows
- Life Below Zero (2013–present)
Sue appears as herself, demonstrating her survival skills and daily routines in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. - Flying Wild Alaska (2011–2012)
Sue serves as a station agent at Kavik River Camp, supporting bush pilots and travelers in extreme conditions. - The Joe Rogan Experience (2009, Guest Appearance)
Sue appears as a guest, sharing her experiences living off the grid and surviving in Alaska. - Panama (2022, Executive Producer Credit)
Sue acts as an executive producer, contributing behind the scenes and expanding her presence in the entertainment industry.
Sue Aikens Age, Height and Weight
Sue Aikens is 62 years old, born on July 1, 1963. She stands about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighs around 77 kg (169 lbs). With grey hair and brown eyes, her rugged appearance mirrors the resilience and strength needed to survive Alaska’s extreme wilderness, embodying the toughness and endurance that have made her a standout figure.
| Age | 62 Years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 Feet 7 Inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 77 Kg (169 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Ethnicity | White / American |
| Body Measurement | Not publicly disclosed |
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @sueaikens | |
| Twitter (X) | @sueaikens |
| TikTok | @sraikens |
| YouTube | @NatGeo |
FAQs About Sue Aikens
As of 2025, Sue Aikens’ net worth is estimated at $500,000, built from her long-running role on Life Below Zero and income from her Kavik River Camp business.
Sue Aikens reportedly earns about $4,500 per episode, which adds up to an annual salary of roughly $200,000 from Life Below Zero.
Sue Aikens is still in Alaska, primarily based at her Kavik River Camp, while also spending time with her partner Michael Heinrich.
She continues to run the Kavik River Camp and appears on Life Below Zero, sharing her survival lifestyle with viewers.
Yes, Sue Aikens is alive and active in 2025, despite recurring online death hoaxes.
Yes, she still resides at Kavik River Camp, though she occasionally travels outside Alaska.
Yes, she still owns and operates the Kavik River Camp, welcoming visitors and researchers.
Yes, Sue Aikens has been married three times, but all of her marriages ended—two due to her husbands’ deaths and one in divorce.
Yes, Sue is in a long-term relationship with Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician from New York.
Sue Aikens has faced health challenges, including neck and spine surgery in 2024, but she remains active on Life Below Zero and continues her rugged lifestyle in Alaska.
Sue Aikens was born on July 1, 1963, making her 61 years old in 2025.
