Hey there, treasure hunters and Netflix binge-watchers! If you’re hooked on real-life mysteries, you’ve probably heard about Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure. This brand-new docuseries, which dropped on March 27, 2025, dives deep into one of the wildest modern adventures: Forrest Fenn’s treasure hunt. At TV Acute, we’re obsessed with breaking down the coolest stories, and this one’s got it all—gold, danger, and a dash of Indiana Jones vibes. So, grab a snack, and let’s unpack what really happened with Forrest Fenn’s treasure!
Imagine a quirky art dealer from New Mexico sparks a global frenzy by hiding a chest stuffed with gold and jewels somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. That’s exactly what Forrest Fenn did back in 2010, and it kicked off a decade-long chase that had people quitting jobs, climbing peaks, and even risking their lives. The treasure? Worth up to $2 million. The clues? A tricky little poem he wrote. The result? A story so epic it’s now a three-part Netflix hit.
But here’s the big question everyone’s asking: Was Forrest Fenn’s treasure found? Spoiler alert—yes, it was! We have all the essential details for you, along with solutions to other pressing inquiries such as the number of lives lost and the fate of the loot. Let’s jump in!
Who Was Forrest Fenn, Anyway?
Forrest Fenn was a unique individual. He transitioned from a Vietnam War veteran to an art dealer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he interacted with celebrities such as Ralph Lauren and Robert Redford. The man had a talent for collecting unique items such as gold nuggets, ancient jade carvings, and elegant rings. However, in 1988, he faced a significant setback when he received a kidney cancer diagnosis, with a dismal 20% chance of survival within three years.
Facing that kind of news, Forrest started thinking about his legacy. He didn’t want to just fade away. Instead, he hatched a wild plan. “I’ve had so much fun building my collection,” he wrote in his 2010 memoir, The Thrill of the Chase. “Why not let others hunt for it?” So, he packed an antique chest with treasures—gold coins, a ruby-studded bracelet, you name it—and hid it somewhere in the mountains north of Santa Fe.
His goal wasn’t just to make someone rich. Forrest wanted to get people outside, exploring, dreaming big. “Take your kids fishing, get them off their screens,” he told TODAY back in 2013. And boy, did he succeed! Hundreds of thousands of people chased his treasure, armed only with a poem and a few hints he dropped in interviews. Pretty cool, right?
What’s the Deal with That Poem?
Okay, let’s talk about the poem—it’s the heart of this whole adventure. Forrest stuffed nine clues into 24 lines of poetry in his memoir. He swore that if you followed them step-by-step, you’d find the chest. “Read the book, then study the poem—every word,” he told folks in a 2011 interview. Easier said than done!
Here’s a poem :
As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old.
Begin it where warm waters halt
And take it in the canyon down,
Not far, but too far to walk.
Put in below the home of Brown.
From there it’s no place for the meek,
The end is drawing ever nigh;
There’ll be no paddle up your creek,
Just heavy loads and water high.
If you’ve been wise and found the blaze,
Look quickly down, your quest to cease,
But tarry scant with marvel gaze,
Just take the chest and go in peace.
So why is it that I must go
And leave my trove for all to seek?
The answer I already know
I’ve done it tired, and now I’m weak.
So hear me all and listen good,
Your effort will be worth the cold.
If you are brave and in the wood
I give you title to the gold.
From “The Thrill of The Chase” By forrest Fenn
Sounds like a riddle, huh? It goes on about blazes, creeks, and heavy loads—total brain-teaser stuff. Forrest said there were extra hints in his book too, but you had to dig for them. Treasure hunters went nuts analyzing it, some even using software to decode his TV interviews. Talk about dedication!
The Hunt Was On—And It Got Crazy
Once word got out, the chase exploded. People from all over the world—moms, retirees, even whole families—hit the Rockies looking for Forrest Fenn’s treasure. Some spent years at it, like Cynthia Meacham, who hiked the wilderness and got tight with Forrest himself. Then there’s Chris Hurst, a dad who dragged his sons along to fund an easier life for his wife. They sold stuff and downsized their house—total commitment!
For others, like Justin Posey, it wasn’t even about the gold. “It’s about solving this puzzle—poetry, history, exploration,” he told NBC. For him, it was a meditative escape. However, not everyone’s journey ended happily. The hunt turned into an obsession for some, draining savings, wrecking relationships, and even landing a few in jail. A 2020 study found 10% of hardcore seekers called it an addiction. Wild, right?
How Many People Died Trying to Find Forrest Fenn’s Treasure?
Now, let’s get real for a sec. There was a darker side to this treasure hunt. How many people died trying to find Forrest Fenn’s treasure? At least five—and that’s a tragedy worth talking about.
Take Randy Bilyeu—he vanished in 2016 while searching near the Rio Grande, and his body turned up months later. Then there’s Paris Wallace, found dead along the same river in 2017. Jeff Murphy took a 500-foot tumble in Yellowstone National Park, and Eric Ashby drowned rafting in Colorado. Michael Wayne Sexson froze out in Dinosaur National Monument without enough gear. These stories hit hard.
The danger got so bad that New Mexico’s ex-police chief begged Forrest to call it off. “I didn’t know how to stop this chaos,” Pete Kassetas said in the docuseries. But Forrest? He wouldn’t budge. “Ending it won’t fix anything,” he argued in 2017. He compared it to swimming pool deaths—teach people to swim, not close the pool. Tough stance, but it kept the hunt alive.
So, Was Forrest Fenn’s Treasure Found?
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: Was Forrest Fenn’s treasure found? Yep, it sure was! In June 2020, a 32-year-old med student named Jack Stuef cracked the code and nabbed the chest in Wyoming. “It was the most frustrating thing I’ve ever done,” he wrote on Medium. Imagine scratches, sweat, and crying alone in the woods—that’s what it took.
Jack didn’t spill the exact spot, but clever hunters later pinpointed it using photos. Forrest confirmed the find before passing away at 90 later that year. Jack got to meet him once and called it an honor. The treasure gave one guy riches, but it sparked hope and adventure for millions. Pretty epic payoff!
Has Forrest Fenn Treasure Been Sold?
So, what happened to all that treasure? Has Forrest Fenn’s treasure been sold? You bet it has! Jack auctioned off most of it in 2022, raking in about $1.3 million. We’re talking over 400 items—gold coins, nuggets, jewelry, even a jar with Forrest’s 20,000-word life story. Crazy, right?
Jack wanted to stay low-key at first. “Forrest dealt with stalkers and threats—I didn’t want that,” he explained. But a lawsuit forced him to go public in December 2020. He brushed it off as nonsense and stood proud as the legit finder. That cash probably helped with those student loans he mentioned!
Why Gold & Greed Is a Must-Watch
Netflix’s Gold & Greed isn’t just about the treasure—it’s about the people. Director Jared McGilliard calls it “the biggest modern treasure hunt ever,” and he’s not wrong. The series follows hunters like Cynthia, Chris, and Justin, showing how the chase changed their lives. It’s got thrills, heartbreak, and a twist at the end that’ll make you wonder if there’s more out there. No spoilers, but it’s a jaw-dropper!
At TV Acute, we love how it mixes real footage, interviews, and Forrest’s own words. It’s not just a hunt for gold—it’s a hunt for meaning. “The journey’s the real adventure,” Jared says, and you’ll feel that watching these everyday folks chase their dreams.
Got thoughts on this wild tale? Drop ‘em below—we’d love to hear!
Must Read: Justin Posey Net Worth in 2025: From Tech to Treasure Riches
