Darrell Ward, one of the stars of “Ice Road Truckers,” tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2016.
Darrell Ward gained fame through his role on the History Channel’s reality series “Ice Road Truckers,” which showcased the perilous lives of drivers who operate trucks on seasonal routes crossing frozen lakes and rivers in remote Arctic territories in Canada and Alaska. Ward joined the show in its sixth season and quickly became a fan favorite due to his skillful driving and amiable personality.
On August 28, 2016, Darrell Ward was involved in a fatal plane crash near Rock Creek, Montana. He was 52 years old at the time of his death. Ward and his co-pilot were both killed when the Cessna 182 they were flying in crashed while attempting to land at a nearby airstrip. The plane went down shortly after takeoff from Missoula, Montana, where Ward had been attending the Great American Truck Show.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation into the crash. According to their report, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane. The report also noted that the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the flight may have contributed to the accident.
Ward’s death was a shock to his fans and the trucking community. He was known for his commitment to helping others, including his participation in recovery efforts after natural disasters. His passing was mourned by his family, friends, and viewers of “Ice Road Truckers,” who had come to respect his adventurous spirit and dedication to his profession.