Who is Ricko DeWilde wife? Fans of Life Below Zero keep asking this question as the Alaskan survivalist shares glimpses of a strong, private family life. Ricko does not wear a wedding ring, yet his bond with Rona Vent has lasted more than a decade.
Together, they raise five children in Fairbanks, Alaska, grounded in Indigenous values and off-grid skills.
This article breaks down the facts, clears the rumors, and explains everything you need to know about the Ricko DeWilde wife story.
Who is Ricko DeWilde Wife? Rona Vent and the Family Life He Chose Over Marriage
Ricko DeWilde is not officially married. He has never confirmed a legal marriage in interviews or public records. However, he has shared his life for years with his long-term partner, Rona Vent. Many fans refer to her as the Ricko DeWilde wife because of the depth and stability of their relationship.
Ricko and Rona live together in Fairbanks, Alaska. They raise their children as a united family. Their partnership reflects commitment without formal titles. Ricko often praises Rona as his anchor and credits her for helping him rebuild his life after past struggles.
Both Ricko and Rona belong to the Koyukon Athabascan people. This shared heritage shapes how they live, parent, and connect to the land. Ricko spent his early years living off the grid along the Yukon and Koyukuk rivers. He later chose to raise his own family in the same environment.
Before settling down, Ricko faced addiction and served time in jail for drug possession. He openly says that family life gave him direction. Rona played a key role in that change. Their relationship grew through trust, shared values, and resilience.
Ricko DeWilde profile summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ricko DeWilde |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Year of birth | 1976 |
| Place of birth | Huslia, Alaska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | 165 lbs |
| Relationship status | In a long-term relationship |
| Partner | Rona Vent |
| Children | Five |
| Residence | Fairbanks, Alaska |
When did Ricko DeWilde start dating Rona Vent?
Ricko DeWilde and Rona Vent began dating around 2013. Their relationship has now lasted over ten years. They first met at a community event focused on wildlife preservation. Ricko spoke about off-grid living and subsistence hunting. Rona attended the event and later approached him.
Their first conversation flowed easily. They discovered shared beliefs about culture, family, and respect for nature. That meeting sparked a connection that grew into a lasting partnership.
Rona keeps a low public profile. She works as a homemaker and supports the family behind the scenes. Ricko’s social media posts show that she also hunts and fishes. She has appeared briefly on Life Below Zero, but she avoids publicity and has no known social media accounts.
Key points about their relationship
- Together since around 2013
- Share Koyukon Athabascan heritage
- Live together in Fairbanks
- Raise children as a team
- Keep their relationship mostly private
How many kids does Ricko DeWilde have on Life Below Zero?
Ricko DeWilde has five children with Rona Vent. He often shares proud moments with them online, showing fishing trips, hunting lessons, and birthdays.
Ricko DeWilde children
- Simone
- Skarlett
- Maya
- Skyler
- Keenan
Simone, the eldest, has reached adulthood. Ricko marked the milestone with pride. The younger children already show strong survival skills. Ricko recently shared Keenan’s successful pike catch during a fishing trip.
Ricko and Rona raise their children with a clear mission. They teach traditional hunting, respect for animals, and self-reliance. They also focus on discipline, teamwork, and cultural identity. Although Fairbanks has about 30,000 residents, the family still lives close to the land.
Ricko uses social media to document family adventures, not luxury. His posts highlight growth, learning, and bonding rather than fame.
DeWilde’s Family Background and Roots
Ricko DeWilde was born into a large family. He is the third youngest of 14 children. His parents, Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde, raised their children on a remote homestead about 100 miles north of Huslia.
His father, Lloyd, was a Welsh-American from San Francisco who embraced wilderness life. His mother, Amelia, was a Koyukon Athabascan woman from the North Fork of the Huslia River. They homeschooled their children and passed down survival skills and cultural teachings.
Ricko grew up hunting, trapping, fishing, and living without modern conveniences. That upbringing shaped his values. Today, he blends his mixed heritage and passes those lessons to his own children with Rona.
