Darrell Ward, one of the stars of the History Channel’s “Ice Road Truckers,” tragically passed away in a plane crash on August 28, 2016.
Ward joined the cast of “Ice Road Truckers” in its sixth season and quickly became a fan favorite due to his skillful driving, competitive nature, and friendly demeanor. He was known for his willingness to help fellow truckers in need and for taking on some of the most challenging routes and loads.
On the fateful day of his death, Ward was flying with a co-pilot from Dallas, Texas, to Missoula, Montana, where he was scheduled to begin filming a pilot for a new documentary-style show about the recovery of plane wrecks. The small Cessna 182 aircraft they were in crashed while attempting to land at Rock Creek Airport in Clinton, Montana. Both Ward and his co-pilot were killed in the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation into the crash. Their report indicated that the plane stalled during an attempted landing, which led to the crash. The aviation community, fans of the show, and Ward’s colleagues mourned his loss. His death was a reminder of the inherent risks associated with small aircraft travel, and he is remembered for his contributions to “Ice Road Truckers” and his adventurous spirit.