Darrell Ward obit

Darrell Ward, ‘Ice Road Truckers’ star, dies at age 52

 

He was not on the list.

Darrell Ward, who starred on the History Channel’s “Ice Road Truckers,” has died in a plane crash while on his way to film a documentary about the recovery of plane wrecks, according to a news release posted to his official Facebook page. He was 52.

Also killed in the plane crash was Ward’s co-pilot, whose name has not been released. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the case, the news release posted early Monday said.

Ward – a father and grandfather who rose to fame on the reality show that chronicles the extreme and often dangerous lives of the truckers who haul cargo to remote communities – was on his way to Missoula, Mont., to begin filming a pilot for a documentary-style show about “the recovery of plane wrecks” when he was killed, the news release said.

He and his co-pilot had lift off from Dallas, Texas, where Ward had attended the Great American Truck Show.

Ward recently learned “Ice Road Truckers” had been given the green light for its 11th season. He joined the reality show in its sixth season.

Ward called himself an “adrenaline junkie” who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and dirt-bike riding. He’d occasionally help local authorities fight forest fires, according to the statement announcing his death.

The family has asked for privacy at this time. A lengthier statement is expected to be released “shortly.”