Josh Owens Health Update: Moonshiners Star’s Recovery from 2023 Bike Accident

The world of moonshining, as depicted in Discovery’s hit reality show Moonshiners, is fraught with challenges, from evading authorities to navigating the risks of producing, transporting, and selling illicit spirits across states like Kentucky, South Carolina, and Virginia. While the dangers of this clandestine trade are well-known, some of the most harrowing moments for the show’s cast members have little to do with their liquor-making endeavors. Such is the case for Josh Owens, a beloved figure on Moonshiners, whose passion for speed and motorsports led to a life-threatening motorcycle accident in early 2023. Fans have been eager for updates on his health, wondering how he’s faring after the devastating crash and whether he’s faced similar challenges before. Here’s a comprehensive look at Josh Owens’ recovery journey and his history of resilience in the face of adversity.

The 2023 Motorcycle Accident: A Devastating Crash

On March 4, 2023, Josh Owens, a professional motorcycle racer and Moonshiners cast member, was competing at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida when tragedy struck. During the race, Josh lost traction on the final turn, causing his bike to slide out from under him. He careened across the track and collided with a retaining wall at approximately 80 miles per hour. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in severe injuries that included a broken neck, back, left arm, legs, and shoulder, as well as a punctured lung and bruised vital organs. The severity of the crash left Josh in a coma for nearly 10 days, sparking widespread concern among his fans and the Moonshiners community.

Rumors of Josh’s death began circulating online shortly after the accident, fueled by the lack of immediate updates and the gravity of his injuries. However, his family quickly took to his Instagram account to dispel these falsehoods, assuring fans that Josh was alive, though his recovery would be a long and arduous process. In a video posted on March 27, 2023, from his hospital bed, Josh addressed his followers directly, revealing the extent of his injuries. He displayed a leg wound held together by 50 staples, leaving a significant scar, and candidly admitted, “I got broken all to pieces in a bad motorcycle wreck.” Despite his weakened state, Josh’s characteristic optimism shone through as he declared, “I’m tougher than a pine knot, and I’m still here. And I’m gonna be here until God brings me home.”

A Community Rallies: Support for Josh’s Recovery

The financial burden of Josh’s medical treatment was substantial, especially since he lacked health insurance. To help cover the mounting hospital bills and support him during his recovery, his friend Ray Llanes launched a GoFundMe campaign. The Moonshiners community and fans rallied behind Josh, with fellow cast member Steven “Tickle” Ray organizing a fundraiser at the Rocky Mount Smokehouse in Virginia, where the community also celebrated Josh’s birthday. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with Josh expressing gratitude for the love and encouragement, stating, “I’m just an ol’ county boy who happens to be on TV. I’m blessed by God to be given a second chance at life, and the opportunity to leave a better legacy. The support is humbling and so appreciated.”

By May 2023, updates from Josh’s co-star Tim Smith indicated progress in his recovery. A tweet from Smith noted that both of Josh’s arms were functioning again, a significant milestone given the severity of his injuries. Jessica Read, known as Moonshine Daisy, also shared on Facebook that Josh was in stable condition and receiving physical rehabilitation in South Carolina. These updates provided hope to fans, though it was clear that Josh still faced a long road to full recovery.

A History of Resilience: Past Accidents and Injuries

The 2023 crash was not Josh’s first brush with serious injury. His love for motorcycles, which dates back to his days as a professional motocross racer and North Carolina State Champion in 2003 and 2004, has repeatedly put him in harm’s way. In March 2018, while preparing for an exhibition race at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, Josh suffered another devastating accident. A front tire explosion on his 1919 Harley-Davidson caused him to “pile-drive” into the pavement, resulting in a torn rotator cuff, a punctured lung, broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a shoulder blade fracture, and severe damage to his pointer finger, which was stripped to the bone. Despite the pain and temporary paralysis on his left side, Josh made a remarkable recovery and returned to Moonshiners and racing.

Josh’s injury history extends beyond motorcycle accidents. In 2016, he suffered a gruesome injury when a grinding wheel exploded, mangling his left hand’s pointer finger. He initially hoped to save the digit but ultimately had to have it amputated. The 2018 crash further damaged the already compromised finger, resulting in additional loss. Despite these setbacks, Josh’s determination to continue his passions—moonshining and racing—has never wavered.

Moonshining Mishaps: Fire and Close Calls

Josh’s penchant for danger isn’t limited to the racetrack. His work on Moonshiners has also led to perilous situations. In the show’s 11th season, Josh, along with fellow moonshiners Tickle, Henry, and Kenny, ventured south to experiment with maple sap for their liquor. The process of turning the sap into syrup proved challenging, and after hours of work, the moonshine failed to capture the desired maple flavor. Left alone to manage the operation, Josh faced a crisis when the backhouse where the moonshine was being cooked caught fire. In a desperate attempt to save the liquor, he tried to extinguish the flames with a hose, but it ran out of water. Following Henry’s advice, Josh salvaged what he could and fled the scene as fire department sirens approached. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the incident.

Another close call occurred in the same season when Josh rented a basement from a man named Chris to set up an indoor moonshine operation. Unbeknownst to Josh, Chris had no legal authority to rent the space. When the property’s true owner discovered the setup, Josh and his team narrowly avoided legal consequences, as the owner allowed them to remove their equipment without involving the police. These incidents highlight the precarious nature of Josh’s moonshining career, which, while dramatized for Moonshiners, reflects the real risks of the trade.

The Authenticity of Moonshiners

The legitimacy of Moonshiners has long been debated, given the illegal nature of producing moonshine without a license. In 2011, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control claimed that the show did not depict genuine illegal activity, stating that authorities would have intervened if it did. However, Magilla Entertainment, the show’s production company, countered that Moonshiners accurately portrays the secretive world of moonshine production. Whether staged or not, the show’s cast, including Josh, is deeply rooted in the liquor-making culture, and their passion has endeared them to audiences. This connection has been particularly evident in the support Josh has received during his recovery.

Josh’s Road to Recovery and Future on Moonshiners

By the premiere of Moonshiners Season 13 in 2024, just three months after the accident, Josh was still confined to a wheelchair, grappling with limited mobility and the frustration of a slow recovery. His castmates, acting as “mother hens,” encouraged him to prioritize physical therapy and avoid rushing back to work. Despite these challenges, Josh’s resilience shone through, and by the Season 14 premiere, he was back on his feet, declaring, “Last year was about getting back up on my feet. But this year, I got big plans.” His recovery, supported by his friends and fans, is a testament to his tenacity and the community’s unwavering support.

While it remains uncertain whether Josh will return to racing, his presence on Moonshiners continues to captivate audiences. His journey—from surviving multiple accidents to navigating the dangers of moonshining—embodies the grit and determination that have made him a fan favorite. As fans await further updates, the hope is that Josh will fully recover and continue sharing his passion for moonshine and motorsports with the world.