The Two Joshes Of Moonshiners: What Happened To Josh Owens After His Catastrophic Crash And Where Is His Partner Now?
The question of "Josh and Josh" on Discovery Channel's hit docudrama *Moonshiners* has long puzzled fans, often referring to one of the show's most volatile yet beloved stars, Josh Owens, and his various partners. As of December 2025, the life of the primary "Josh" has taken a dramatic, life-altering turn, with his ongoing recovery from a catastrophic accident dominating headlines and raising questions about his future in the high-stakes world of illegal distilling.
The latest updates confirm that the legendary outlaw distiller and adrenaline junkie, Josh Owens, is still navigating a challenging road back to full health, a journey that has profoundly impacted his moonshining operations in the Appalachian Mountains. This article dives deep into the current status of Josh Owens and finally unravels the identity and whereabouts of the "other Josh" that fans frequently ask about.
Josh Owens: The Outlaw Biker's Biography and Latest Status
Josh Owens is one of the most recognizable and fearless figures on *Moonshiners*, known for his reckless abandon, his distinctive 'do-it-all' attitude, and his deep connection to the outlaw biker and lumberjack lifestyle. His biography is a testament to a life lived on the edge, which sadly culminated in a severe, near-fatal injury.
- Full Name: Josh Owens
- Role on Moonshiners: Outlaw Moonshiner, Distiller, Biker, Lumberjack, and Trophy Hunter.
- Hometown/Base: Splits time between North Carolina and South Carolina.
- Early Career: Former professional motocross racer and stock car driver, which explains his high-octane lifestyle and love for speed.
- Moonshining Mentor: Learned the craft from his long-time friend and local moonshining legend, Barney Barnwell.
- Most Famous Partnerships: Bill Canny (early seasons) and Digger Manes (later seasons).
- Signature Style: Known for using a vintage motorcycle to haul his product and his willingness to take massive risks for a run.
The Catastrophic Motorcycle Crash and Ongoing Recovery
The most significant and recent event in Josh Owens’ life was a severe motorcycle accident that occurred on March 4, 2023.
The crash happened during a high-stakes race at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
While competing on his vintage motorcycle, a tire blew out, causing him to slam into a racetrack wall at approximately 100 mph.
The injuries were nothing short of catastrophic: he suffered a broken neck and a broken back.
Following the accident, Owens underwent extensive surgeries and was temporarily confined to a wheelchair, a jarring contrast to his famously active and adventurous lifestyle.
As of late 2025, Josh is focused entirely on his physical therapy and recovery. Fans have been following his journey closely, with many expressing relief that he survived the ordeal.
His co-stars, including Richard Rawlings, have shown immense support, and the accident was a major storyline in recent seasons of *Moonshiners*, demonstrating the real-life dangers that can shadow the lives of these reality stars.
Unmasking the "Josh and Josh" Mystery: The Real Partners
The persistent fan query about "Josh and Josh" is a classic case of mistaken identity or a collective misremembering of the Discovery Channel show's cast. The reality is that Josh Owens has had two major, yet very different, partners throughout his tenure, neither of whom is named Josh. The most likely candidates for the "other Josh" are Bill Canny and Digger Manes.
The Volatile Partnership: Josh Owens and Bill Canny
For many early-season viewers, the "Josh and Josh" dynamic was actually the tumultuous partnership between Josh Owens and Bill Canny. Bill was Josh's long-time moonshining partner, and their relationship was defined by frequent, explosive arguments over strategy, still placement, and the inherent risks of their operation.
Their on-screen drama was compelling television, showcasing the high-pressure environment of illegal distilling in the Appalachian region.
Bill Canny ultimately left the show after Season 7 (around 2016-2019), reportedly to focus on family and other ventures outside of the spotlight.
Bill Canny’s Latest Update (2025): Recent fan updates suggest Bill is doing well, having successfully transitioned away from the high-risk bootlegging life. While his departure was a loss for the show, he remains a key figure in *Moonshiners* history, and his early partnership with Josh is a perfect example of why fans might have conflated the two names.
The Current Alliance: Josh Owens and Digger Manes
In later seasons, particularly after his accident, Josh Owens has often been seen working alongside other veteran distillers, most notably Eric "Digger" Manes. While Digger's main partner is Mark Ramsey, he and Josh have collaborated on various runs and projects, forming a new, powerful alliance on the show.
Digger Manes’ Latest Update (2025): Digger Manes is extremely active on the show, which is currently airing new episodes. As of January 2025, he and Mark Ramsey have been featured expanding their operations and enlisting other partners like "Bruiser." This shows that the veteran moonshiners are still pushing the boundaries of their craft and keeping the Appalachian tradition alive.
The Future of Moonshining for Josh Owens
The biggest question facing Josh Owens and the *Moonshiners* community is whether his body will allow him to return to the demanding, physical, and dangerous world of outlaw distilling. The life of a moonshiner—hauling heavy equipment, navigating rough terrain, and constantly evading authorities—is not one suited for a man recovering from a broken neck and back.
However, Josh Owens is known for his resilience and fierce independence. His presence on the show has always been about more than just making spirits; it's about the freedom of the outlaw lifestyle, his passion for motorcycles, and honoring the legacy of his mentor, Barney Barnwell.
The latest season of *Moonshiners* has focused heavily on his recovery, demonstrating his determination to get back to his old ways. His journey has added a profound layer of human drama and topical authority to the series, showcasing the true cost of a life lived without limits. Whether he returns to the woods full-time or transitions to a more supervisory role, his story remains a central, compelling pillar of the show.
Fans continue to send their support via social media and through platforms like Cameo, where Josh remains active, providing personalized messages. This outpouring of support highlights his enduring popularity and the deep connection the audience has with his adventurous spirit. The "Josh" of *Moonshiners* is a survivor, and his next chapter, whether on a still site or a racetrack, will undoubtedly be as compelling as his past.
Ultimately, the "Josh and Josh" legacy is a tribute to the single, unforgettable figure of Josh Owens and the various partners—Bill Canny, Digger Manes, and others—who have shared his dangerous, high-proof journey on the Discovery Channel. His current focus on recovery ensures that when he does make his full return, it will be one of the most anticipated moments in the show's history.
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