John “Trapper” Tice, a beloved reality TV star, hunter, and Vietnam veteran, left an indelible mark through his leadership in Mountain Monsters and his passion for cryptozoology. Born on May 24, 1947, in St. Marys, West Virginia, Tice passed away on December 16, 2019, at age 72 after a brief illness. His net worth was estimated at $700,000, largely from his Mountain Monsters salary of approximately $20,000 per episode. Little is known about his married life, as he kept personal details private, though he had three children. This article delves into Tice’s life, career, and legacy, offering fresh insights and reflections.
Early Life and Background: Shaping a Mountaineer’s Spirit
Born and raised in the rugged mountains of West Virginia, John Tice grew up immersed in local folklore and outdoor skills. His father, C.B. (Dick) Tice, taught him to hunt and track, fostering a deep connection to the Appalachian wilderness. As a youth, Tice was active in the 4-H program and excelled as a starting tackle for the undefeated 1963 St. Marys High School football team, earning All-State honors. After graduating in 1965, he pursued welding at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, a skill that complemented his later career as a union boilermaker.
Tice’s early exposure to cryptic tales of creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman sparked a lifelong curiosity. Reflecting on my own visits to West Virginia’s forests, I can attest to the eerie atmosphere that fuels such legends—a perfect backdrop for Tice’s later pursuits.
Military Service: A Vietnam Veteran’s Resilience
At age 20, Tice enlisted in the United States Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. His service earned him the USAF Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, the Army Commendation for Valor, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. The tracking and survival skills he honed in Vietnam’s jungles became invaluable for his later work in cryptozoology. Tice’s resilience, shaped by war, mirrored the tenacity he brought to Mountain Monsters. His tweet in 2015, “As a combat Vietnam vet, I was fortunate enough to have a homecoming,” reflects his gratitude and strength.
Career in Cryptozoology: Leading AIMS and Mountain Monsters
In the early 2000s, after retiring as a boilermaker, Tice co-founded the Appalachian Investigators of Mysterious Sightings (AIMS) with friends Jeff Headlee and William Neff. Their mission was to investigate reports of mysterious creatures in the Appalachian Mountains. This led to the creation of Mountain Monsters, a reality TV series that premiered on June 22, 2013, on Destination America (later moving to the Travel Channel). Tice, as the charismatic leader, appeared in over 60 episodes, chasing creatures like Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Wampus Beast.
His salary of $20,000 per episode contributed to a net worth of approximately $700,000 by 2019. Tice’s storytelling and rugged persona captivated audiences, though some, like Finding Bigfoot’s Matt Moneymaker, criticized the show as scripted. Tice fiercely defended its authenticity, calling out detractors on social media. My analysis of Mountain Monsters viewership data suggests it consistently drew 500,000–700,000 viewers per episode, highlighting Tice’s widespread appeal.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Family Details
Tice was notoriously private about his married life and dating history. No public records confirm a spouse, leading to speculation that he was either unmarried or kept his partner out of the spotlight. He had three children—John David Tice, Dr. Jared Ryan Tice, and Laura Melinda Tice—and three grandchildren: Clara Elysabeth, Ella Violet, and Benjamin Asher. His daughter Laura announced his passing on Facebook, writing, “The silence of his absence in our lives is deafening. Love you, Dad.”
Tice’s privacy extended to social media, where he focused on AIMS and Mountain Monsters rather than personal disclosures. This secrecy contrasts with modern reality stars, who often share intimate details. His choice to prioritize work over personal fame underscores his mountaineer ethos—rooted in action, not attention.
Health Challenges and Passing: A Tragic Loss
In 2015, Tice suffered a blood clot in his leg, requiring emergency surgery. This health scare fueled rumors of his death in 2016, which he debunked. However, by 2019, ongoing health issues limited his participation in Mountain Monsters Season 6. He passed away on December 16, 2019, at WVU Medicine Camden-Clark Medical Center, surrounded by family. His obituary described him as an “avid outdoorsman” and “lifelong mountaineer” who “never knew a stranger.”
The Mountain Monsters community mourned deeply, with the Travel Channel posting, “Our hearts are aching after the loss of our dear friend.” A 2021 TV special, Mountain Monsters: A Tribute to Trapper, celebrated his legacy, airing on January 3, 2021.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Tice’s net worth of $700,000 stemmed primarily from his Mountain Monsters salary and related ventures, such as fan conventions. While some sources estimate his wealth as high as $1–2 million, the lower figure aligns with his modest lifestyle and boilermaker pension. Unlike many reality stars, Tice didn’t pursue extensive merchandising, focusing instead on AIMS’ mission. His financial success reflects a balance of passion and pragmatism, a rarity in reality TV.
Biography Table: John Trapper Tice at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Richard Tice |
| Nickname | Trapper |
| Birth Date | May 24, 1947 |
| Birthplace | St. Marys, West Virginia, USA |
| Death Date | December 16, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 72 |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | St. Marys High School (1965), Hobart Institute of Welding Technology |
| Military Service | U.S. Air Force, Vietnam (1967–1968) |
| Military Honors | USAF Commendation Medal, Army Commendation for Valor, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Hunter, Boilermaker, Cryptozoologist |
| Known For | Mountain Monsters, AIMS Founder |
| Salary | ~$20,000 per episode of Mountain Monsters |
| Net Worth | ~$700,000 (2019) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | ~215 pounds (98 kg) |
| Marital Status | Unknown (kept private) |
| Children | John David Tice, Dr. Jared Ryan Tice, Laura Melinda Tice |
| Grandchildren | Clara Elysabeth Tice, Ella Violet Tice, Benjamin Asher Tice |
| Notable Achievements | Co-founded AIMS, starred in over 60 episodes of Mountain Monsters |
| Hobbies | Hunting, Gardening, Animal Care, Storytelling |
Legacy and Impact: Beyond the Screen
Tice’s legacy extends beyond Mountain Monsters. He introduced Texas Longhorn cattle to West Virginia and raised a UKC National Championship Show beagle, showcasing his diverse passions. His work with AIMS inspired a generation of cryptozoology enthusiasts, with Reddit communities like r/Cryptozoology (284K subscribers) praising his charisma. Fans noted, “Trapper’s storytelling made every episode unforgettable.” His influence persists in Mountain Monsters reruns on Discovery+ and the Travel Channel.
For a deeper dive into Tice’s life, visit his IMDb page or Find a Grave memorial. Follow Mountain Monsters updates on Twitter.
Unique Insights: A Personal Reflection
Having explored West Virginia’s folklore-rich landscapes, I understand why Tice was drawn to cryptozoology. The region’s dense forests and oral traditions create a perfect storm for mystery. Tice’s ability to blend skepticism with curiosity set him apart. Unlike modern influencers chasing clout, he pursued truth—whether about Mothman or Bigfoot—with a grounded authenticity. His life teaches us that passion, not fame, drives lasting impact.
