After years of fame on Mountain Men, legendary frontiersman Tom Oar withdrew from public life following health issues and overwhelming attention, choosing instead to live quietly in Montana, staying true to his lifelong pursuit of peace and authenticity in the wilderness.

In the heart of the wilds of northwest Montana, a figure once synonymous with rugged survival and the spirit of the American frontier has seemingly vanished from the public eye.

Tom Oar, a beloved star of the reality TV show *Mountain Men*, captivated audiences with his authentic off-grid lifestyle, showcasing his remarkable skills as a trapper, tanner, and craftsman.

Yet, in a startling twist, this modern-day frontiersman has retreated into the shadows, leaving fans and followers wondering: what happened to Tom Oar?

Born in 1943 in Rockford, Illinois, Tom’s journey into the wild began long before he ever appeared on television. Raised in a working-class family steeped in cowboy tradition, Tom inherited a love for the outdoors and a fierce determination to live life on his own terms.

His father, a performer in Wild West shows, instilled in him a deep appreciation for the rugged lifestyle that would define his future.

By the time he reached adulthood, Tom was making a name for himself in the rodeo circuit, specializing in bareback bronc riding—a dangerous sport that demanded not only skill but also a high tolerance for pain.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Tom traveled across the country, earning a reputation as one of the toughest competitors in rodeo history. However, the thrill of the rodeo came at a cost.

After a near-fatal accident on Valentine’s Day in 1970, where he was knocked unconscious by a bull named Woolly Bugger, Tom faced a harsh reality check. Although he recovered and returned to the rodeo, the incident marked a turning point in his life.

Realizing the dangers of his chosen path, Tom and his wife, Nancy, made the bold decision to leave the rodeo behind and embrace a life of self-sufficiency in the wilderness of Montana.

The couple settled near the Yak River Valley, where they built a cabin and learned to live off the land. Tom thrived in this harsh environment, mastering the art of trapping and hide tanning using ancient techniques.

For decades, he became a true mountain man, relying on his skills to survive the brutal winters and isolation. His relationship with Nancy was the cornerstone of his life, providing the support and companionship necessary to endure the challenges of off-grid living.

In 2012, Tom’s life took an unexpected turn when he was approached by producers of *Mountain Men*. They were searching for authentic individuals living traditional self-reliant lifestyles, and Tom fit the bill perfectly.

Without auditioning or seeking fame, he became a fan favorite on the show, showcasing his incredible knowledge of survival and his down-to-earth nature.

Viewers were drawn to his authenticity, watching as he demonstrated how to trap animals, tan hides, and navigate the unforgiving wilderness.

However, as the show gained popularity, Tom’s quiet life began to change dramatically. The influx of fans and tourists seeking to meet the legendary mountain man started to encroach upon his solitude.

While he welcomed visitors and never turned anyone away, the attention became overwhelming. Tom, who had always preferred the company of nature to that of crowds, found the growing interest in his life increasingly burdensome.

As he aged, Tom faced new challenges. During the filming of season 11 of *Mountain Men*, he experienced a serious health scare that shook him to his core.

In the middle of the night, he suffered a sudden breathing issue that required immediate medical attention. Doctors revealed that his heart was weakening and fluid was building up in his lungs.

Though not life-threatening at that moment, it was a wake-up call for Tom, who had faced countless dangers in the wild but had never encountered anything quite like this.

Following this health scare, Tom began to withdraw from the show and the public eye. There were no formal announcements or goodbyes; he simply started appearing less frequently.

Fans began to speculate about his well-being, flooding social media with questions about his absence.

Then, in 2020, a fake obituary claiming Tom had died circulated online, sending shockwaves through his fanbase. Many believed the rumors, and media outlets reported on his supposed death without proper fact-checking, further fueling the fire of speculation.

As of 2025, however, the truth is that Tom Oar is very much alive. Now in his early 80s, he has retreated from the spotlight, choosing to live a quieter life in Montana, away from the cameras and chaos of fame.

Though he may no longer hunt elk in the snow, the spirit of the mountain man remains within him. He continues to craft leather goods and share stories with those who seek him out, embodying the essence of a life lived with intention and purpose.

Tom Oar’s journey is a testament to the power of living authentically and embracing the wild. His decision to step away from the limelight was not just a retreat but a reclamation of the life he always cherished.

In a world that often prioritizes convenience and fame, Tom’s legacy serves as a reminder that true fulfillment can be found in the quiet moments spent in nature, away from the noise of modern life.

So, what do you think? Did Tom Oar make the right choice by stepping back from the spotlight? His story raises important questions about the balance between public life and personal peace.

As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we invite you to share your thoughts and the lessons you’ve gleaned from the life of this extraordinary mountain man.