Sue Aikens, best known as the resilient star of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, shares her life with her longtime partner, Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician from New York. The couple has been together for more than 17 years, maintaining a strong bond despite living miles apart.
While Michael often travels to Alaska to spend time with Sue, their relationship continues to thrive on love, trust, and mutual respect, proving that distance is no barrier when two people are truly committed.
Sue Aikens Husband Michael Heinrich
Michael Heinrich leads a private and grounded life away from the public eye. Yet, his relationship with Sue Aikens, the beloved star of Life Below Zero, has naturally captured fans’ curiosity. While Sue embraces the harsh wilderness of Alaska, Michael continues his career as a skilled electrician in New York.
Despite living in two vastly different worlds, the couple’s relationship stands strong—built on trust, understanding, and shared values that keep them connected across the distance.
Is Sue Aikens Married
As of now, Sue Aikens is not married. The Life Below Zero star has experienced three previous marriages, each ending in divorce. Despite her past challenges, Sue has found lasting happiness in a long-term relationship with Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician from New York.
Although the couple hasn’t officially tied the knot, their strong bond and mutual respect keep their long-distance relationship thriving. Built on trust, love, and companionship, their connection continues to grow despite the miles that separate Alaska and New York.
Sue Aikens Children
Sue Aikens is a proud mother of three children — two sons and one daughter — from her previous marriages. While Sue has chosen to embrace the solitude of Alaska’s wilderness, her children have pursued their own paths beyond the state, focusing on their careers and families.
Even with the distance, Sue remains deeply connected to them, often expressing her love and pride for their accomplishments and independent lives.
Sue Aikens Daughter
Sue Aikens’ daughter leads a private life away from public attention and the harsh Alaskan climate. Although she prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Sue occasionally shares heartfelt glimpses of their bond, showcasing her deep affection and pride as a devoted mother.
Who is Sue Aikens
Sue Aikens is a renowned survival expert and television personality, best known for her role in National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series Life Below Zero. She is celebrated for her exceptional skills in self-reliance, adaptability, and wilderness survival, thriving in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Sue operates the Kavik River Camp, located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska. Her remarkable journey—marked by resilience, courage, and determination—includes surviving a near-fatal bear attack and turning her isolated lifestyle into an inspiring story of strength and endurance.
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 the early years of her childhood in the city before relocating to Alaska at the age of 12, where she was introduced to the challenges of living in the wild.
The rugged Alaskan environment played a defining role in shaping Sue’s independence, resilience, and remarkable survival instincts—qualities that would later become the foundation of her fame on Life Below Zero.
Education
After moving to Alaska, Sue Aikens completed her early education while adjusting to the challenges of life in the remote wilderness. Though she did not pursue traditional higher education, her real-world learning experiences became far more valuable.
Through years of hands-on survival, Sue developed exceptional skills in self-reliance, resourcefulness, and adaptability—qualities that later earned her a place on Life Below Zero and made her one of television’s most respected survival experts.
Career
Sue Aikens rose to fame as one of the central figures on National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series Life Below Zero, where she has been a cast member since 2013. Her fearless attitude and ability to thrive in extreme Alaskan conditions have made her one of the most admired personalities in reality television.
Before joining the show, Sue appeared on Flying Wild Alaska and managed the Kavik River Camp, a remote outpost located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Her work in these demanding environments showcases her unmatched resilience, wilderness expertise, and self-sufficient spirit, solidifying her reputation as a true survivalist icon.
Sue Aikens Life Below Zero
Sue Aikens has been a standout figure on National Geographic’s Emmy-winning series Life Below Zero since its debut in 2013. Filmed at her remote Kavik River Camp, located 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the show captures her daily fight for survival in one of the world’s most unforgiving environments.
Known for her resilience, sharp humor, and no-nonsense attitude, Sue continues to inspire viewers with her ability to thrive in complete isolation and extreme weather, proving that determination and grit can conquer even the harshest wilderness.
Sue Aikens Bear Attack
In 2007, while fetching water near her Kavik River Camp in Alaska, Sue Aikens was viciously attacked by a grizzly bear, leaving her with severe injuries. Alone and miles from any medical help, she endured several days before being rescued—a true testament to her unbreakable willpower and survival expertise.
The terrifying encounter has been featured on Life Below Zero, illustrating the real dangers of living in Alaska’s remote wilderness. Sue’s remarkable recovery and determination to continue her isolated lifestyle stand as proof of her exceptional strength and resilience.
Sue Aikens Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Sue Aikens’ net worth ranges between $500,000 and $600,000. Her wealth has been built through a combination of television appearances, business ventures, and independent projects that highlight her unique lifestyle and survival expertise.
Salary from Life Below Zero
As one of the longest-running cast members of National Geographic’s Life Below Zero, Sue Aikens earns a major portion of her income from the show.
Reports indicate that she makes tens of thousands of dollars per season, reflecting her central role and lasting appeal to the audience. Her continued presence on the series has significantly contributed to her overall financial success.
Kavik River Camp Business
In addition to her television work, Sue Aikens owns and operates the Kavik River Camp, situated 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The camp welcomes hunters, researchers, and adventure seekers, generating steady income through bookings, lodging, and guided wilderness experiences. This thriving business plays a key role in her net worth and highlights her entrepreneurial spirit.
Merchandise and Online Store
Sue has expanded her brand through branded merchandise and online sales, offering items such as apparel, mugs, and memorabilia inspired by her rugged Alaskan lifestyle. These products attract fans around the world and create an additional revenue stream that complements her television and business ventures.
Public Appearances and Media Features
Beyond her regular work, Sue Aikens occasionally appears in interviews, documentaries, and public speaking events, earning appearance fees and compensation for her participation. While these engagements are less frequent, they help increase her public visibility and reinforce her reputation as one of television’s most authentic survivalists.
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
No, Sue Aikens is very much alive and thriving. The Life Below Zero star continues to live her off-grid lifestyle at Kavik River Camp in Alaska, where she manages daily survival in extreme conditions.
While occasional false rumors about her death have circulated online, Sue remains active, healthy, and deeply committed to her adventurous life in the Arctic wilderness. Her continued presence on Life Below Zero reassures fans that she’s still embracing the challenges of Alaska with her trademark strength and determination.
Where is Sue Aikens Today
Sue Aikens continues to thrive 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 proudly 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 at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighs around 77 kg (169 lbs). With her gray hair and brown eyes, Sue’s rugged appearance perfectly reflects the strength, resilience, and endurance required to survive Alaska’s unforgiving wilderness—qualities that have made her a truly iconic figure on Life Below Zero.
| 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.
