'Alaska: The Last Frontier' Star Otto Kilcher Has Survived All Sorts of Threats on the Homestead

For nine seasons, Discovery Channel fans have watched Otto Kilcher and his family live off the grid on Alaska: The Last Frontier. Despite his isolated existence on a 640-acre homestead in the Alaskan wilderness, the reality star can’t seem to escape idle internet gossip.

Over the years, the 67-year-old has been the victim of multiple death hoaxes, particularly after suffering a blood clot in 2016. Scroll down for the truth about Otto’s health.

The mechanic is still kicking, though viewers did witness Otto grapple with a whole host of medical issues in Season 6 of the series. After undergoing hernia surgery and dealing with a blood clot, the patriarch faced a long recovery process — which was frequently interrupted by his own stubbornness.

In one episode, the father of three risked his well-being to save a paralyzed cow. "It’s really tough being laid up and not being active," Otto admitted in a Facebook Live filmed on Nov. 11, 2016.

He also explained why he chose to be put under a local anesthetic during the surgery instead of a general one. "If you look at the incredible amount of drugging that the liver has to clean after you’ve had some kind of total anesthetic, it’s a terrible thing, so I just try to be real minimalistic and be alive for every moment of my life," he shared.

"When doc had to sew that [groin] area… I could actually feel the tugging," Otto added. "You gotta endure a little pain now and then."

The Kilcher clan has had plenty of crazy experiences on the homestead, but none were scarier than Atz’s fall off a cliff in 2015. The accident took place during a hike close to the family's property in Homer, Alaska.

"His injuries included a broken arm, a broken shoulder, broken ankle, a broken hip, crushed ribs, and two punctured lungs," his wife Jane wrote at the time. In an Instagram post published a little less than a month after the fall, Atz said he was "thankful to be alive" and surrounded by loved ones.

"My broken bones are healing nicely considering how many I broke," the 42-year-old captioned a photo taken from his bed. "Lungs are holding strong and every day I feel a little stronger… The busiest time of year is upon me, but I know my family has my back and before long I will be back amongst the walking."

A year later, Atz acknowledged how lucky he felt given the circumstances. "It's been a hard recovery but I can't complain all considering," he said. "I still have my health, family, and friends and that is a blessing for sure. Thanks everyone for your support and good wishes, things are different now of course but all in all I am well."

We’re thrilled to share that both Otto and Atz are doing much better these days. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2020 for all the Kilchers!

New episodes of Alaska: The Last Frontier air Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery Channel.