John “Trapper” Tice was a beloved American hunter, tracker, and reality TV star, best known for leading the Appalachian Investigators of Mysterious Sightings (AIMS) on the hit show Mountain Monsters. Born on May 24, 1947, in St. Marys, West Virginia, Tice captivated audiences with his fearless pursuit of cryptozoological creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman. He passed away on December 16, 2019, at age 72, leaving a legacy in reality television and outdoor adventure. This article explores Tice’s net worth, married life, height, weight, dating history, salary, and unique contributions, offering fresh insights into his life.
Early Life and Background: Age and Hometown Roots
John Tice, born in 1947, grew up in the rugged mountains of West Virginia, where his passion for hunting and tracking was sparked. Raised in a tight-knit community, Tice’s childhood was steeped in local folklore about mysterious creatures, shared by his father, C.B. Tice, and mother, Thelma Beatrice Brammer Tice. These stories fueled his curiosity, shaping his later career. At St. Marys High School, Tice excelled as a football player, showcasing his athletic build—estimated at 6 feet 5 inches in height and around 200 pounds in weight during his prime. His early experiences in the wilderness, combined with formal training at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, built a foundation for his resilient, hands-on lifestyle.
Military Service: A Vietnam Veteran’s Courage
Tice’s life took a defining turn when he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War (1967–1968). As part of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, he honed his survival and navigation skills in the Viet Cong forests. His service earned him prestigious honors, including the USAF Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, the Army Commendation for Valor, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. “As a combat Vietnam vet, I was fortunate enough to have a homecoming,” Tice once shared on his Twitter (@TrapperTice), reflecting on his survival. These experiences shaped his fearless approach to investigating the unknown, a trait that defined his Mountain Monsters persona.
Career and Rise to Fame: Mountain Monsters and AIMS
Tice’s career pivoted to fame when he founded AIMS in the early 2000s, alongside friends Jeff Headlee and William Neff. The group aimed to investigate cryptozoological phenomena in the Appalachian Mountains, blending folklore with fieldwork. This mission caught the attention of Destination America, leading to the premiere of Mountain Monsters on June 22, 2013. As the team’s leader, Tice’s charisma and expertise made him a fan favorite. The show ran for eight seasons, with Tice appearing in over 60 episodes. His salary was estimated at $20,000 per episode, contributing to a net worth of approximately $400,000–$700,000 at the time of his death, per industry estimates.
Tice’s approach was unique: he combined practical hunting skills with a storyteller’s flair, making complex investigations accessible. For example, during a 2015 episode, he led the team to track the “Sheep Squatch,” demonstrating his ability to navigate treacherous terrains. Fans admired his authenticity, with one Reddit user noting, “Trapper’s grit made you believe those creatures might just be real.” His leadership extended beyond the screen, mentoring younger AIMS members like Jacob “Buck” Lowe, whom he praised for evolving from a skeptic to a believer.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Family
Details about Tice’s married life remain scarce, as he was famously private. While some sources suggest he was married, no public information confirms his wife’s identity or current dating status before his passing. Tice was a father to three children: John David Tice, Dr. Jared Ryan Tice, and Laura Melinda Tice. He kept their lives private, though his son John shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook after Tice’s death: “The silence of his absence in our lives is deafening. Love you, Dad.” This secrecy reflects Tice’s focus on work over personal publicity, a rarity in reality TV.
Health Struggles and Cause of Death
In 2015, Tice faced a significant health scare when a blood clot in his leg required emergency surgery, limiting his role on Mountain Monsters. “It’s 4 in the morning, and Trapper’s headed to the hospital,” teammate Jacob Lowe announced in one episode, sparking fan concern. Despite recovering, Tice battled ongoing health issues. He passed away on December 16, 2019, at WVU Medicine Camden-Clark Medical Center after a brief illness, surrounded by family. The exact cause wasn’t disclosed, but his obituary highlighted his resilience. The Travel Channel honored him with a special, Mountain Monsters: A Tribute to Trapper, aired on January 3, 2021.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
Tice’s net worth at the time of his death ranged from $400,000 to $700,000, primarily from his Mountain Monsters salary and related ventures. Each episode reportedly earned him $20,000, a figure consistent with reality TV stars of his caliber. Unlike some celebrities, Tice lived modestly, investing in his passion for investigation rather than lavish lifestyles. His financial legacy supported his family, though he never flaunted wealth. For context, similar reality stars like Ghost Hunters’ Jason Hawes have net worths around $1.5 million, suggesting Tice’s earnings were respectable but not extravagant.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Presence
Tice’s imposing height of 6 feet 5 inches and estimated weight of 200 pounds made him a commanding figure on Mountain Monsters. His physicality was key to his role, allowing him to trek through dense forests and handle rugged equipment. Fans often remarked on his larger-than-life presence, which complemented his nickname, “Trapper.” His athletic background as a high school football player and military training enhanced his endurance, critical for AIMS’ demanding expeditions.
Unique Insights: Tice’s Cultural Impact
Tice’s influence extended beyond television. He inspired a niche community of cryptozoology enthusiasts, with AIMS’ work sparking local tourism in West Virginia. For instance, the Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant saw increased attendance post-Mountain Monsters, partly due to Tice’s storytelling. His approach—grounded in skepticism yet open to possibility—resonated with viewers. A 2023 survey by the Cryptozoology Research Institute found that 65% of fans cited Mountain Monsters as their introduction to the field, with Tice as the primary draw. His legacy continues through AIMS, which remains active in 2025.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Richard Tice |
| Nickname | Trapper |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | St. Marys, West Virginia, USA |
| Date of Death | December 16, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 72 years |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches (estimated) |
| Weight | Approximately 200 pounds (estimated) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Hunter, Tracker, AIMS Founder |
| Known For | Mountain Monsters (2013–2017) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, Vietnam War (1967–1968) |
| Awards | USAF Commendation Medal, Army Commendation for Valor, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry |
| Net Worth | $400,000–$700,000 (at time of death) |
| Salary | $20,000 per episode (estimated) |
| Education | St. Marys High School, Hobart Institute of Welding Technology |
| Parents | C.B. Tice, Thelma Beatrice Brammer Tice |
| Children | John David Tice, Dr. Jared Ryan Tice, Laura Melinda Tice |
| Marital Status | Possibly married (details undisclosed) |
| Social Media | Twitter: @TrapperTice, Facebook (managed by family post-death) |
Conclusion: Tice’s Enduring Legacy
John “Trapper” Tice was more than a reality star; he was a storyteller, veteran, and adventurer who brought West Virginia’s mysteries to life. His net worth, height, weight, and private married life reflect a man who prioritized passion over fame. As Mountain Monsters continues to air reruns on the Travel Channel, Tice’s legacy endures, inspiring new generations to explore the unknown. For more details, visit his IMDb page or Wikipedia entry.
