Gary Muehlberger, star of National Geographic Channel’s Life Below Zero: Port Protection, apparently died when his house burned down.
Gary was 75, and one of the original Port Protection cast members.
A March 17 fire destroyed Gary’s house in Port Protection on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska, which was regularly featured in the show. (The clip below is a scene in which Gary fixed plumbing by crawling underneath his house.)

While Gary is missing and a body was found inside the house, Alaska’s KTOO reported “that rough weather [Friday] has delayed their investigation.”
KTOO reported that yesterday, Tuesday, “Alaska State Troopers have sent human remains found in the burned-out home of Port Protection resident Gary Muehlberger to the state medical examiner’s office for identification.”
KTUU, which published a photo of an Alaska State Trooper putting out the fire, reported that it has been ruled as accidental.”
Update: Alaska State Troopers announced that Alaska’s “State Medical Examiner has positively identified the human remains as 75-year-old Port Protection resident Gary Muehlberger.”
Port Protection cast member Gary was ‘a legend’
Even before authorities confirmed that it was Muehlberger who died, the community of Port Protection mourned him, and Life Below Zero’s Facebook page posted this condolence:
“We’re extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Muehlberger, a legend to the Port Protection Alaskan community and the Life Below Zero franchise. He had an incredibly big heart, epitomized so much of the human spirit and welcomed the world into his life with open arms. He will be deeply missed.”
A re-posted Facebook message said:
“Gary Muehlberger; the Man, the Myth, the Legend has passed away.There was a fire at his home and he did not make it. Trapper is alive and well and being cared for. That is all the information there is.”

Port Protection premiered in 2015, and while several cast members have left, Gary was a central cast member since season one; you can read Gary’s bio here.
The show aired three seasons, and then after a two-year break, returned last year, rebranded as Life Below Zero: Port Protection. Its fifth season is currently airing on National Geographic Channel.
BRENDA J SMITH
Thursday 5th of May 2022
I still MISS and love Gary he is on the show today I wish he never die.
Arnie Hauger
Thursday 21st of April 2022
I watch Port Protection all the time.Years ago I was at King Salmon Alaska for 1 year with the Air Force.68-69. I just now found out that Gary had past watching the series..I am shocked.Such a warrior and icon for the community of Port Protection. He was full of wisdom.Rest in Peace.
Jackie
Wednesday 13th of April 2022
Love all of them and wish them all the best in weather, friends and sustenance.
KBel
Tuesday 29th of March 2022
I love the show, but with Gary I could always picture myself hanging out with him after a hard days work having a beer or five and just swappin stories. He cared about others, and he lived his life his way, that was obvious. Gary will be missed by his Port Protection family, and his public viewer family, I will certainly miss him and his stories, his Alaskan wisdom, and his life by the day attitude. I'm certainly glad Trapper made it and will hopefully will be adopted by the PP family.
Raisin a pint to ya Gary, you led a life well lived, cheers!
Jeanne George
Friday 25th of March 2022
My husband and I love all the Alaska shows. We keep watching all the repeats in the new life below zero in Port protection on Tuesday night. We love it. What about the last Alaskans there hasn’t been any new ones in a few years are they coming back