‘Ice Road Truckers’ Star Darrell Ward Killed In Montana Plane Crash

One of the stars of Ice Truckers has died in a plane crash.

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Missoula County Rural Fire and Montana Highway Patrol responded to the crash at about 3 pm Sunday near the Rock Creek exit off of 1-90. The Cessna 182 was approaching the private airstrip when it stalled, witnesses said.

While filming a pilot for the show, the plane crashed, killing both Ward and his co-pilot.

The pair had taken off from Dallas, Texas, where Ward had been attending the Great American Truck Show.

Ice Road Truckers has been on the air since 2007, and features drivers who operate trucks on seasonal routes crossing ice roads in northern Canada and Alaska.

It returned to History on August 4 with new episodes. At this time the interstate remains closed until further notice while authorities on the scene await Monday’s arrival of The National Transportation Safety Board Investigators.

The press release noted that the “things Darrell loved most were his family including his kids and grand-kids & trucking”.

According to the press release, Ward had just learned that the program had been renewed for an eleventh season, set to begin filming early next year.

Ward called himself an “adrenaline junkie” who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and dirt-bike riding.

Ward was also known for giving back to the community, most recently organizing a food drive for flood victims in Louisiana, and planning an appearance as Grand Marshal at a parade in Nova Scotia for Special Olympics. Tagged as “The Montana Legend” on the show, Ward’s personal slogan was “any road, any load!”

A statement from the History Channel said: “We are saddened by the tragic loss of Darrell Ward, a beloved member of the History family”. His manager and best friend M. Bob Stanton and long time friend Chuck Campbell are expected to make a lengthier statement shortly.