Sue Aikens Husband, Past Affairs & Relationships
Picture this: You’re 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Temperatures plunge to -60°F. The nearest neighbor? About 200 miles away. Now imagine maintaining a marriage in these conditions.
The star of Life Below Zero isn’t just surviving Alaska’s brutal wilderness—she’s navigating love from one of Earth’s most unforgiving locations. Her romantic journey reads like an adventure novel filled with heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, hope.
Sue Aikens’ personal life has been anything but ordinary. Three marriages. Devastating loss. Betrayal. Yet through it all, she’s emerged stronger, wiser, and currently in love with Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician who supports her from thousands of miles away.
Let’s dive into the fascinating romantic history of Alaska’s most resilient woman.
Who is Sue Aikens’ Husband?
Sue Aikens husband Michael Heinrich is a skilled journeyman electrician from Flushing, New York. Their relationship defies conventional wisdom about what makes partnerships work.
Michael brings technical expertise to the relationship. He understands complex systems, problem-solving under pressure, and working with his hands—skills that mirror Sue’s survivalist lifestyle. This shared appreciation for self-reliance creates common ground between them.
They met through mutual connections while Sue operated Kavik River Camp. Their connection was instant. Michael didn’t see Sue as just another reality TV show personality. He recognized her authenticity, strength, and vulnerability beneath that tough exterior.
The couple maintains a long-distance relationship that would challenge even the strongest bonds. Michael stays in New York managing his electrician work while Sue operates her camp in Alaska’s remote wilderness. They communicate through satellite phone, occasional video calls when internet permits, and cherished in-person visits.
Is Sue Aikens married to Michael? Not officially yet. But their commitment runs deeper than paperwork. They’ve chosen each other despite geographic impossibility. That speaks volumes.
Michael provides emotional support from afar. He understands Sue’s calling—her need to be in Alaska, running her camp, living authentically. He doesn’t ask her to change or compromise her dreams. Instead, he adapts his life to support hers.
Their relationship works because both partners bring complete lives to the table. Neither needs the other to feel whole. They choose each other daily, making their bond even more powerful.
Sue Aikens’ Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Susan Aikens |
| Birth Year | 1963 |
| Age | 61 years old |
| Birthplace | Mount Prospect, Illinois |
| Known For | Life Below Zero star, Alaska survivalist |
| Current Partner | Michael Heinrich (journeyman electrician) |
| Previous Marriages | Three (ended in divorce, death, and abandonment) |
| Children | Yes, two daughters |
| Grandchildren | Multiple |
| Occupation | Kavik River Camp owner, TV personality |
| Years on Life Below Zero | 2013-present (over 10 years) |
| Location | Kavik River Camp, Alaska (197 miles from Arctic Circle) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
| @sueaikens |
Sue’s journey from Illinois suburbia to Alaska’s frozen frontier wasn’t planned. Life circumstances pushed her northward, and she discovered her true calling in the wilderness. Today, she’s recognized as one of the toughest people on television.
Sue Aikens’ Love Life and Marriages
Sue Aikens marriages tell a story of resilience through heartbreak. Three times she’s said “I do.” Three times relationships ended—each teaching profound lessons about love, loss, and self-worth.
Living at Kavik River Camp complicates romance exponentially. Most people can’t fathom the isolation. Imagine your partner leaving for months because winter makes travel impossible. Picture explaining to someone why you choose freezing temperatures and grizzly bears over modern conveniences.
Sue’s romantic history reflects the challenge of balancing fierce independence with human connection. She’s not someone who needs rescuing. She’s the rescuer. That dynamic intimidates many potential partners.
Each marriage shaped her understanding of what partnership means. Through divorce, death, and betrayal, Sue learned that love requires more than attraction—it demands respect, understanding, and alignment of values.
Her current relationship with husband Sue Aikens Michael Heinrich demonstrates this evolution. They’ve built something sustainable precisely because expectations are realistic and communication is honest.
First Marriage and Divorce
Sue’s first marriage remains relatively private. She married young, before Alaska entered the picture. Details about her first husband’s identity aren’t widely publicized, respecting his privacy.
This union produced Sue Aikens children—daughters who would become central to her life. The marriage lasted several years before ending in divorce. Like many first marriages, it taught Sue about compatibility, communication, and compromise.
The split wasn’t dramatic or scandalous. They simply grew apart. Different life visions emerged. Sue felt the call of adventure while her husband preferred stability. Neither was wrong—they just wanted different things.
Divorce meant navigating co-parenting while pursuing her Alaskan dreams. Sue maintained relationships with her daughters despite geographic challenges. She proved you can be an unconventional mother and still prioritize family values.
This experience taught Sue that staying in an incompatible relationship serves no one. Better to separate respectfully than remain miserable together. That wisdom would serve her through future relationships.
Second Marriage – Tragedy & Loss
Sue Aikens’ past affairs and relationships took a devastating turn during her second marriage. Her husband developed a brain tumor, transforming their lives overnight.
Sue became caregiver while managing Kavik River Camp operations. Watching someone you love deteriorate mentally and physically tests every fiber of your being. The Alaska survivalist who could handle grizzly bears felt helpless against this invisible enemy.
The tumor progressed aggressively. Sue balanced hospital visits with camp responsibilities. Winter complicated everything—limited travel options, extreme weather, and complete isolation during his final months.
Her husband passed away, leaving Sue shattered. Grief hit hard. She questioned whether staying in Alaska made sense. Could she continue this brutal lifestyle alone?
But grief and survival became intertwined. The daily demands of camp life provided structure. Chopping wood, maintaining generators, and monitoring weather patterns kept her grounded. Work became therapy.
This tragedy fundamentally changed Sue’s perspective on mortality and purpose. Life’s fragility became visceral. She realized that living authentically matters more than playing it safe. Her husband’s death, while devastating, reinforced her commitment to the Alaskan wilderness.
Sue Aikens biography often highlights her survival skills, but this period revealed her emotional resilience. She survived not just Alaska’s harsh conditions but also profound personal loss.
Third Marriage – What Happened?
If her second marriage ended in tragedy, her third ended in betrayal. Sue Aikens boyfriend at the time seemed like a fresh start—someone who understood her lifestyle and supported her dreams.
They married with optimism. Sue opened her heart again despite past pain. She believed this time would be different. They’d build a life together, balancing Alaska’s demands with partnership.
Then he left her for a younger woman.
The rejection cut deep. It wasn’t just about age—it was about loyalty, commitment, and respect. Sue had given this relationship everything. She’d made herself vulnerable. And he walked away.
This experience could have broken her. Instead, it forged something stronger. Sue realized her worth doesn’t depend on someone else’s ability to see it. She stopped seeking validation through relationships.
The divorce finalized quietly. Sue focused inward, examining patterns. She recognized her tendency to give too much, to prioritize others’ needs over her own. No more.
This painful chapter became transformative. Sue emerged with clearer boundaries and higher standards. She wouldn’t settle for less than she deserved. If that meant being alone, so be it.
Current Relationship Status
Today, Sue’s relationship with Sue Aikens husband Michael Heinrich represents everything she learned from past experiences. They’ve built something genuine, sustainable, and deeply respectful.
Michael lives in New York while Sue operates her camp in Alaska. They see each other several times annually during shoulder seasons—spring and fall when weather permits easier travel. These reunions are precious, planned months in advance.
Their long-distance relationship works because both partners are complete individuals. Michael isn’t waiting for Sue to change or move. Sue isn’t pressuring Michael to relocate to Alaska. They accept each other fully.
Communication happens through satellite phone mostly. Internet at camp is unreliable, making video calls hit-or-miss. They’ve learned to connect through voice, sharing daily experiences and supporting each other’s challenges.
Social media offers glimpses into their relationship. Sue occasionally posts photos of Michael’s visits to Kavik River Camp. Fans adore seeing Alaska’s toughest woman smile softly, clearly in love.
What makes this relationship special? Mutual respect. Michael admires Sue’s strength and independence. Sue appreciates Michael’s unwavering support without possessiveness. Neither tries to change the other.
They’ve discussed future plans but remain flexible. Marriage might happen eventually, or maybe their current arrangement works perfectly. They’re not following anyone’s timeline but their own.
Sue Aikens’ Past Affairs and Relationships
Between marriages, Sue dated occasionally. The remote wilderness location made meeting people challenging. Visitors to camp were rare. Local options? Practically nonexistent.
Some relationships lasted weeks, others months. None developed into serious commitments. Most men couldn’t handle the isolation. They’d visit, experience the brutal reality, and realize this lifestyle wasn’t romantic—it was relentless.
Sue learned to spot incompatibility quickly. If someone complained about lack of amenities or seemed uncomfortable with wildlife, they wouldn’t work long-term. Her partner needed to understand and respect her calling.
Notable Boyfriends and Partners
Specific details about Sue Aikens relationships between marriages remain private. She’s protective of people who didn’t sign up for reality TV exposure.
However, patterns emerged. Sue attracted two types: adventurers excited by Alaska’s wildness, and “fixers” who wanted to rescue her. Neither type worked.
Adventurers loved the romance of wilderness living but not the reality. They’d visit during summer when Alaska is beautiful—midnight sun, moderate temperatures, abundant wildlife. Then they’d leave before winter’s brutality arrived.
Fixers couldn’t accept Sue’s competence. She didn’t need rescuing. She needed partnership. When they realized she was self-sufficient, they felt unnecessary and left.
Sue needed someone like Michael—a man secure enough to admire her strength without feeling diminished by it.
Relationship Challenges and Life in Alaska
Living in Alaska’s harsh environment creates unique relationship obstacles. Let’s be real: romance at Kavik River Camp looks nothing like Hollywood portrays.
Freezing temperatures dominate eight months yearly. Winter darkness lasts months. Supplies arrive by plane only when weather permits. Medical emergencies require hours-long evacuations—if rescue is even possible.
Maintaining intimacy across thousands of miles requires creativity. Sue and Michael can’t grab dinner together. They can’t meet for coffee. Every interaction requires significant planning and resources.
Trust becomes paramount. When your partner lives thousands of miles away for months, insecurity can creep in. Sue and Michael combat this through consistent communication and complete honesty.
The Life Below Zero cast understands these challenges intimately. Several cast members have ended relationships due to Alaska’s demands. The lifestyle isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay.
Sue Aikens’ Family and Children
Despite her tough exterior, Sue Aikens family remains her anchor. Her daughters and Sue Aikens grandchildren keep her connected to life beyond survival.
Sue’s parenting style reflects her personality—loving but not coddling. She taught her daughters self-reliance, critical thinking, and resilience. They grew up understanding their mother’s unconventional choices.
How Many Kids Does She Have?
Sue has two daughters from her first marriage. They’re now adults with families of their own. Sue respects their privacy, rarely sharing identifying details publicly.
Both daughters maintain relationships with their mother despite geographic distance. They visit Alaska occasionally but have built lives in the lower 48 states. Sue supports their choices fully.
Her daughters inherited Sue’s independence and strength. They admire their mother’s courage while choosing different paths. That’s exactly what Sue wanted—for them to find their own way.
Grandchildren & Family Life
Becoming a grandmother softened Sue in unexpected ways. Her Sue Aikens grandchildren bring joy that counterbalances Alaska’s harshness.
She visits grandchildren during off-season, typically spring or fall. These trips recharge her emotionally. She plays, reads stories, and shares age-appropriate wilderness wisdom.
Technology helps bridge distance. When satellite internet cooperates, Sue video chats with grandchildren. They show her school projects. She shows them the aurora borealis.
Family values anchor Sue’s life philosophy. Despite living in isolation, she prioritizes connection with loved ones. Blood family and chosen family both matter deeply.
Interesting Facts About Sue Aikens
The Kavik River Camp owner has become an icon. But there’s much fans don’t know about Sue beyond what Life Below Zero broadcasts.
Her Journey on Life Below Zero
Sue joined Life Below Zero in 2013 during season one. Producers discovered her while scouting Alaska locations. They immediately recognized her star quality—authentic, tough, and surprisingly charismatic.
She was initially skeptical about reality television. Would it exploit her lifestyle? Turn survival into cheap entertainment? Producers convinced her the show would educate audiences about Alaska’s reality.
Eleven years later, Sue remains a fan favorite. Viewers appreciate her no-nonsense attitude, dark humor, and genuine personality. She’s not performing—she’s just being herself.
The show changed her life financially and publicly. Tourism to Kavik River Camp increased. Sue’s Instagram following exploded. Suddenly, the woman who lived in complete isolation became internationally recognized.
Challenges & Survival in Harsh Conditions
Sue has survived what would kill most people. A grizzly bear attack in 2007 nearly ended her life. The bear dragged her, breaking bones and causing severe lacerations. She survived by playing dead and later self-treating until rescue arrived.
Equipment failures during winter can be fatal. Generators breaking down mean no heat. Planes can’t land in bad weather, cutting off supply access for weeks. Sue manages these crises with preparation and improvisation.
Mental health challenges accompany physical ones. Isolation breeds depression and anxiety. Sue combats this through routine, purpose, and accepting her emotional needs as valid.
Net Worth & Earnings from the Show
Sue Aikens net worth is approximately $500,000. Her income streams include reality TV show earnings, camp operations, and speaking engagements.
Life Below Zero reportedly pays cast members $4,500-$5,000 per episode. With 8-10 episodes per season featuring Sue, she earns $36,000-$50,000 annually from the show.
Kavik River Camp generates income through guided hunts, wildlife viewing, and adventurer accommodations during summer months. Rates run $350+ per night, attracting wealthy tourists seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
Sue invests earnings back into camp infrastructure and survival equipment. She’s not living lavishly—she’s ensuring sustainability and safety.
FAQs
Who is Sue Aikens’ husband?
Sue Aikens husband Michael Heinrich is a journeyman electrician from Flushing, New York. They maintain a long-distance relationship, with Michael supporting Sue’s Alaskan lifestyle from afar.
How many marriages has Sue Aikens had?
Sue has been married three times. Her first ended in divorce, her second tragically ended when her husband died from a brain tumor, and her third ended when he left for someone younger.
Does Sue Aikens have children?
Yes, Sue has two daughters from her first marriage. They’re now adults with families. She also has multiple grandchildren whom she visits during Alaska’s off-season when travel is easier.
Is Sue Aikens still on Life Below Zero?
Yes, Sue remains a central cast member of Life Below Zero since joining in 2013. She continues operating Kavik River Camp while filming her survivalist lifestyle for the documentary series.
What is Sue Aikens net worth?
Sue’s net worth is approximately $500,000, earned through Life Below Zero appearances, Kavik River Camp operations, and speaking engagements. She invests most earnings back into her camp and survival equipment.
Conclusion
Sue Aikens proves love survives even in Alaska’s harshest conditions. Through three marriages, devastating loss, and painful betrayal, she’s emerged stronger and wiser. Her relationship with Michael Heinrich demonstrates that real partnership respects independence while providing unwavering support. Sue’s story isn’t just about surviving wilderness—it’s about surviving heartbreak and choosing love anyway. She continues inspiring millions as both an Alaska survivalist and as someone who refuses to give up on human connection despite overwhelming odds.
