'Ice Road Truckers' Star Darrell Ward Dies at Age 52 in Plane Crash

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Ice Road Truckers star Darrell Ward has died at age 52, a rep for the History Channel confirms to ET.

According to Ward's official Facebook page, the reality star was en route to Missoula, Montana, from The Great American Truck Show in Dallas, Texas, when the plane he was in crashed. Both he and the pilot died in the collision.

The Montana native wrapped up season 10 of the History Channel show earlier this year and had been greenlit just last weekend to film an additional season, which was supposed to take place in the winter of 2017. He was also set to begin filming a pilot for a new documentary-style show, which involved the recovery of plane wrecks.


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"An investigation is ongoing and more information will be made available at a later time as the National Transportation Safety Board will be handling the investigation," said the Facebook post shared on Sunday.

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

"When Darrell wasn't hitting the Ice Roads he would be back in Montana doing what [Darrell] loved best as a log hauler and occasionally helped local authorities fight forest fires," the note added. "...In his free time, Darrell enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, dirt bike riding and all things outdoors. A self-proclaimed 'ADRENALINE JUNKIE', Darrell was up for any adventure. His motto, 'ANY ROAD, ANY LOAD' fits his personality perfectly."

The pilot was attempting to land at a small airstrip, but Missoula County sheriff's Capt. Bill Burt said "something went drastically wrong," with witnesses noting the plane went through a stand of trees, according to Fox News.

The History Channel released a statement to ET on Monday, saying, "We are saddened by the tragic loss of Darrell Ward, a beloved member of the HISTORY family. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Meanwhile, family, friends, and the Facebook page admins thanked fans for their "overwhelming Love & Support during this difficult time."

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Ward's daughter, Terra Ward, penned a sweet note in loving memory of her father, which was also posted to Facebook.

"...I know most of you know my dad as the Montana Legend as he is just that! But he's been the Montana Legend to me my whole life my everything Ice Road Truckers has been on for 5 year but he's been my dad for 21 and I cherished him!" she wrote. "I looked up to him he was my rock I called him everyday he taught me everything I know! My Daddy was the best man ever hands down... NO ONE can say they miss him as much as me and my brother hurt for him today!"

"I love everyone's support and I love you all so much you made my dad into he was and is! But he's a Son and Dad and a Grandpa he's my world!!" she continued. "And I love and miss him so much I can't even begin to explain it all... no Holiday No Birthday nothing will ever be the same with out his smart mouth there!! And I'm dying over here dreaming of a hug from him a you're going to be alright Pumpkin!"