Darrell Ward’s fatal plane crash, Art Burke’s fiery explosion, and Todd Dewey’s deadly collision expose the dark side of Ice Road Truckers.

The dangerous ice roads of Alaska have captivated audiences for years, but the real stories of the Ice Road Truckers cast are even more shocking than what viewers see on screen.

In 2025, the fate of several cast members has taken unexpected turns, with some tragically no longer with us, others facing imprisonment, and a few still grappling with life-threatening challenges.

The truth behind these icy highways is filled with near-death experiences, poor choices leading to tragedy, and lives forever altered once the cameras stopped rolling.

From drivers who pushed their limits on frozen lakes to those whose personal demons led them down dark paths, these tales are stranger than fiction.

One of the most beloved figures from the show, Darrell Ward, was known for his infectious grin and fearless attitude. Born in Montana in 1964, he grew up surrounded by trucks, eventually becoming a fan favorite on Ice Road Truckers starting in Season Six.

Darrell was not just a skilled driver; he was a hero off-camera, fighting forest fires and organizing community events.

His life, however, came to a tragic end on August 28, 2016, when he and co-pilot Mark Melott died in a plane crash while returning from the Great American Truck Show.

Eyewitnesses reported the plane veering before it struck trees, and the cause of the crash was never determined.

This heartbreaking incident left fans and fellow truckers devastated, especially since Darrell had been preparing to embark on a documentary project about plane wrecks—a dream that was cut short far too soon.

Art Burke, another cast member, joined the series in Season Seven and quickly became known for his adventurous spirit. However, his curiosity led him to a near-fatal mistake.

After the show ended, he attempted to create a cannabis concentrate called “shatter” using highly flammable butane.

Ignoring the risks, he sparked an explosion that turned his home into a fireball, resulting in over $60,000 in damages and second-degree burns across 40% of his body. In 2020, he pled guilty to arson by negligence, which led to house arrest and hefty fines.

His once carefree demeanor has been replaced by a haunted look, a constant reminder of the explosion that changed his life forever.

Hugh Rowland, known as “The Polar Bear,” was a staple of the early seasons, beloved for his gruff charm and skilled driving. However, his life took a dark turn in 2014 when he suffered severe spinal injuries in an accident while riding as a passenger in an SUV.

The vehicle rolled over, leaving him with lasting physical damage and leading to a lawsuit against the producer for reckless driving.

The legal battle, combined with his injuries, effectively ended his television career and strained his marriage. Although Hugh now runs a construction company and appears at truck shows, the shadows of his past continue to follow him.

Mark Kohaykewych, the steady leader of Polar Industries, has managed to stay out of the drama that surrounds the ice road world. He first appeared on Ice Road Truckers in Season Five and has since become a prominent figure in the industry.

Mark’s business acumen helped him build Polar Industries into a successful operation, delivering essential goods to remote communities.

His calm demeanor hides a story of resilience and strategic thinking, especially highlighted during the 2017 crisis when he coordinated the construction of an emergency ice road to deliver supplies to Churchill, Manitoba, after the railroad was washed out.

While his story may lack the sensationalism of others, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to thrive in such a harsh environment.

Todd Dewey, who joined the cast in Season Seven, quickly gained a reputation for his impressive driving skills. However, his life changed dramatically in January 2019 when he was involved in a catastrophic head-on collision that killed two people in a sedan.

Though he emerged physically unscathed, the emotional toll of witnessing such tragedy weighed heavily on him. Following the accident, Todd stepped back from long-haul trucking, opting for local runs to avoid the dangers of night driving.

Yet, the call of the ice roads proved too strong to resist, and he is set to return for Season Twelve after an eight-year hiatus, raising questions about the psychological impact of returning to a profession that once brought him face-to-face with death.

Lisa Kelly is perhaps the most recognizable name from Ice Road Truckers, known for her groundbreaking role as a female driver in a male-dominated industry.

Since her debut in Season Three, she has defied stereotypes and proven her mettle on Alaska’s treacherous roads. After taking a break in Season Six to recover from injuries, Lisa returned to the show and has continued to drive in challenging conditions.

Her partnership with Darrell Ward not only highlighted her skills but also brought personal challenges after his untimely death.

Despite the emotional weight she carries, Lisa has persevered, running her trucking business while maintaining a grounded life with her husband and horses.

Finally, there’s Alex Debogorski, the legendary driver who has become a symbol of endurance and skill on the ice roads. The only cast member to appear in all eleven seasons, Alex’s reputation for humor and calmness in chaos has made him a fan favorite.

His life off-screen is filled with incredible stories of survival, including surviving multiple near-death experiences long before he ever hit the ice.

Now a published author and storyteller, Alex shares his adventures with audiences across Canada, reminding everyone that true courage lies in respect for the road and a clear mind while navigating danger.

These stories reveal the darker side of the Ice Road Truckers cast, showcasing lives filled with tragedy, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of adventure.

The ice roads may have been dangerous on-screen, but the real-life experiences of these drivers are even more compelling. As we reflect on their journeys, one can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for these remarkable individuals in the ever-changing landscape of the ice roads.