# At 63, Eustace Conway FINALLY Confirms All The Rumors About Mountain Men
Eustace Conway, a central figure on the History Channel’s *Mountain Men*, has broken his silence at 63, addressing long-standing rumors about the show and his off-grid life.
Known as a naturalist and owner of the 1,000-acre Turtle Island Preserve in Boone, North Carolina, Conway’s journey from obscurity to television fame brought both recognition and significant challenges. His revelations offer a candid look into the reality behind the reality show.
Contrary to popular belief, Conway wasn’t raised in the wilderness. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, he ventured into the woods at 17, rejecting modernity to live in a teepee and wear homemade buckskin. His feats include canoeing 1,000 miles on the Mississippi River at 18, hiking the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail, and kayaking Alaska’s icy coast.
A graduate of Appalachian State University with degrees in anthropology and English, Conway’s passion for nature earned him acclaim, including being called “the most interesting man” by wildlife artist Sally Middleton. His Turtle Island Preserve became a hub for teaching primitive skills, embodying his belief in living harmoniously with nature.
However, fame from *Mountain Men*, which premiered in 2012, turned into a double-edged sword. Conway confirms rumors that the show, while popular, nearly cost him everything.
The series showcased his daily survival tasks, but also exposed Turtle Island to scrutiny. In 2012, an anonymous complaint led to an investigation by the Watauga County Planning and Inspection Department, revealing unpermitted structures and code violations.
Inspectors cited unsafe wiring, unpermitted outhouses, and structurally unsound buildings, giving Conway three options: comply with codes, certify existing structures, or demolish them. He fought back, arguing that the timing—coinciding with the show’s first season—suggested targeted harassment. Supporters and a certified inspector partially vindicated him, noting structures met minimal safety standards despite not adhering to modern codes.
Beyond legal battles, Conway faced personal tragedies linked to the show’s exposure. In 2005, a visitor, Kimberly Baker, was blinded in one eye by a rock during a demonstration at Turtle Island.
She sued, settling for $400,000 with staff and $75,000 from Conway, who struggled to pay, eventually mortgaging land. Additionally, the loss of close friend and co-star Preston Roberts to cancer in 2017 deeply affected him, impacting his ability to manage his lumber business alone.
Conway also addresses rumors of staged drama on *Mountain Men*. Viewers and cast members like Tom Oar have admitted producers sometimes amplified dangers for ratings, leading to accusations of inauthenticity. Incidents like Kid and Harry Yuran’s ATV accident, while real, fueled speculation of orchestrated peril.
For Conway, the show’s portrayal clashed with his genuine lifestyle, bringing more trouble than fortune. His confirmation of these rumors reveals a complex legacy— a man dedicated to nature, burdened by the very fame meant to celebrate his way of life.