‘Gold & Greed’: Netflix Explores Fenn’s Treasure Hunt Tragedy

NEW YORK, March 29, 2025 — A new Netflix docuseries, ‘Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn’s Treasure,’ delves into the tragic quest sparked by Forrest Fenn, a wealthy art dealer who claimed to have hidden a trove of gold and jewels in the Rocky Mountains. Fenn’s announcement in 2010 led thousands on a decade-long hunt for treasure, inspired by cryptic clues in a poem he published.

The docuseries chronicles the obsessive search that ensued, drawing attention to the sacrifices made by individuals eager to uncover Fenn’s bounty. Some abandoned jobs, invested savings, and neglected families in the fervor to solve the mystery, which culminated in a sense of disillusionment when the treasure was ultimately found but not disclosed precisely where or how.

Cynthia Meachum, a prominent searcher who formed a close relationship with Fenn, shares her experiences throughout the series. “When people started dying, I was really worried about the treasure hunt being called off,” Meachum remarked. She indicated that the hunt had grown increasingly perilous as the years rolled by, yet the allure remained.

Justin Posey, another searcher featured in the series, asserts he has pinpointed the treasure’s location in Yellowstone, a claim that now serves as a resolution within the searcher community. However, discrepancies regarding the actual finding persist, as raised by journalist Ben Wallace from New York Magazine, who questioned the credibility of Fenn’s claims.

The docuseries highlights the eccentricity of the searchers themselves, showcasing their various motivations and revealing the futility of many pursuits. One emotional moment illustrates a family’s years of labor in hopes of securing funds to support a disabled relative.

“S*** happens,” Meachum expressed bluntly, addressing the dangers that arose during the hunt. Yet, the series invites the audience to ponder the accountability that falls upon Fenn, who encouraged the searchers’ endeavors as a form of entertainment, seemingly oblivious to the ensuing hazards.

Criticism surrounding Fenn’s actions has surfaced, particularly the notion that he profited from the chaos while simultaneously admonishing those who participated in the search. At one point, Fenn stated, “There are rules for being in the Rockies, and people don’t typically have to be told that,” which raises troubling questions about his responsibility.

The overwhelming theme of the series suggests deeper societal implications about wealth, ambition, and the lengths individuals will go to chase fortune, challenging viewers to reflect on the morality of Fenn’s treasure narrative.

‘Gold & Greed’ stands as a cautionary tale that intertwines the allure of treasure with the stark realities faced by those willing to risk everything—all for a hint of possibility. As the search wraps up, the emotional toll and complexity of the hunt come into sharp focus, leaving viewers to consider if, in the end, the chase was worth it.