The remote, unforgiving wilderness of Port Protection, Alaska, has always been the ultimate proving ground for relationships, and few couples faced the scrutiny of fans quite like Troy Brockway and Sarah McDonald. As of late 2025, the central question remains: Are Troy and Sarah still together, or did the isolation, the relentless demands of the Alaskan bush, and their eventual departure from the community finally take their toll? The latest available information paints a picture of a couple who made a dramatic exit, leaving behind a sold cabin and a trail of rumors, but no definitive public confirmation of their current status.
The couple, who quickly became fan favorites on the National Geographic series Port Protection Alaska, were known for their distinct approach to bush living—a blend of Troy’s seasoned skills and Sarah’s newer perspective. While they were last seen on the show tackling major home upgrades, their real-world status is far more ambiguous, with strong evidence suggesting a major, life-altering change.
Troy Brockway and Sarah McDonald: A Port Protection Biography
Troy Brockway and Sarah McDonald joined the cast of Port Protection Alaska, a spin-off of the popular Life Below Zero franchise, bringing a fresh, younger dynamic to a community of hardened, long-time residents. Their relationship became a central storyline, showcasing the unique challenges of building a life together in one of the most remote settlements in North America.
- Troy Brockway: Known as the community’s unofficial "mailman," Troy was a highly skilled diver and resourceful jack-of-all-trades. He was often seen assisting other residents, including the legendary Sam Carlson. His background suggested a strong affinity for the isolated lifestyle, and his skills were essential for survival. He brought a sense of adventure and resilience to the show.
- Sarah McDonald: Sarah joined Troy in Port Protection, and her adjustment to the rugged, off-grid existence was a key part of her narrative arc. She was often seen learning the necessary survival skills, from clamming to gardening, and working alongside Troy on their ambitious home projects. Her full name, Sarah McDonald, was confirmed in cast listings for the series.
- Relationship Timeline: They appeared as a committed couple throughout their time on the show, consistently facing the daily struggles of Port Protection together, from hunting and fishing to installing a complex new water system and cladding their house for winter protection.
- Role in the Community: They were considered the "new generation" of Port Protection residents, often interacting with veterans like Gary Muehlberger (before his passing) and Timothy "Curly" Leach. Their presence signaled a potential future for the tiny, isolated town on Prince of Wales Island.
The Conflicting Evidence: Why Fans Think They Split or Left
The mystery surrounding Troy and Sarah’s relationship status stems from a significant contradiction between their on-screen presence and their real-world actions. While recent seasons of the show have aired footage of the couple working together, external evidence suggests they have completely abandoned their life in the Alaskan bush.
The Cabin Sale and Sudden Departure
The most compelling piece of evidence suggesting a major life change—and potentially a split—is the confirmed sale of their Port Protection property. Reports surfaced that Troy Brockway’s cabin was listed for sale, a move that is highly unusual for a dedicated resident of the community. In a place where property is rarely traded and life is built around permanence, listing the cabin for $150,000 strongly indicated a permanent exit, not just a temporary break.
The sheer logistics of leaving a place like Port Protection are immense. It’s not a simple move across town; it requires a complete uprooting from a life lived off the grid, dependent on self-sufficiency. This dramatic action fueled intense speculation among the fanbase.
The "European Vacation" Rumor
Adding to the confusion is the rumor mill. According to the "Port Protection Alaska grapevine," Troy and Sarah reportedly left the community for a "little vacation to Europe." While this rumor is unconfirmed by the couple themselves, it suggests a dramatic shift from the daily grind of Alaskan survival to a more conventional, modern lifestyle. This sudden change of pace—from the rugged Southeast Alaska wilderness to a European holiday—is a major departure from the ethos of the show and the life they claimed to embrace.
Social Media Silence and Lack of Public Confirmation
The final factor contributing to the mystery is the couple's near-total silence on social media. Troy Brockway has reportedly not updated his personal Facebook page since 2017, and neither he nor Sarah McDonald have offered any official confirmation regarding their move, their current location, or their relationship status. This lack of communication has left fans to fill in the blanks, leading to a mix of theories ranging from a quiet, amicable breakup to a joint decision to pursue a life outside the constant scrutiny of a reality TV show.
What Their Story Teaches About Relationships in the Bush
The Troy and Sarah saga, regardless of its final outcome, serves as a powerful case study on the intense pressure relationships face in extreme environments like Port Protection. The challenges they faced were not typical domestic disputes; they were matters of life and death, survival, and immense physical labor.
The Pressure Cooker of Isolation
Living in Port Protection means constant, unrelenting proximity. There is no escaping to a different city, a separate job, or even a crowded public space to gain distance. Every problem, every disagreement, must be resolved within the confines of their small cabin and the isolated community. This "pressure cooker" environment can either forge an unbreakable bond or expose the deepest cracks in a relationship.
Shared Struggle as a Bonding Agent
For a time, the shared struggle—the need to harvest food, secure water, and protect their home from the harsh Alaskan elements—seemed to be their greatest strength. Fans watched them work side-by-side, installing a major upgrade to their water system and cladding their house, demonstrating a formidable partnership.
However, the Reddit speculation that Troy "bailed" and that Sarah was the reason, though unverified, points to the possibility that the pressures of the relationship eventually outweighed the shared purpose of survival.
The Verdict: Are Troy and Sarah Still a Couple in 2025?
As of late 2025, there is no official, confirmed answer from Troy Brockway or Sarah McDonald regarding their current relationship status. The evidence, however, strongly suggests they are no longer living the Port Protection life, having sold their cabin and possibly embarked on a new, modern life together or separately.
The most likely scenario is a joint decision to leave the show and the extreme lifestyle. Whether they left as a couple and remain together, or whether the strains of their life in Alaska led to a separation after their departure, is a question that only they can answer. Their silence is a clear indication that they have chosen privacy over public life, a common decision for reality stars who tire of the relentless media attention.
For fans, Troy and Sarah will be remembered as the adventurous couple who dared to build a future in the Alaskan bush. Their story is a reminder that even the strongest bonds can be tested by the most extreme environments, and sometimes, the greatest act of survival is choosing a new path entirely.
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