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After ‘Ice Road Truckers’ Star Darrell Ward Dies, Son, Reno, To Lead Tribute Tour

By Charlinda Robinson
Published on: 12:01 PST, Sep 15, 2016

Before Darrell Ward died last month in an airplane crash, he was scheduled to appear as the 2016 Convoy Marshall in Nova Scotia on September 24, in order to help raise funds for the Special Olympics. A press release issued by Truck Convoy states that this year, the world’s largest truck convoy will honor Darrell Ward with a special memorial tour, and his son, Reno Ward, will be participating.

They go on to say that Special Olympics Nova Scotia (SONS) is proud to celebrate five years of hosting this special and very important event that travels through the streets of Dartmouth. The convoy will head out at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, in a parade of nearly 200 big rigs. The convoy usually raises funds for more than 1,700 athletes, and Special Olympics Nova Scotia offers sports programs for anyone with intellectual disabilities.

Tragically, Darrel Ward and pilot Mark Melotz lost their lives on Sunday, August 28, as they were attempting to land a Cessna 182-D at an airport in Rock Creek, Montana. According to the Missoulian, Captain Bill Burt from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department stated that witnesses who were waiting for the plane to land said that the pilot appeared to be trying to pull up, but flew into a tall strand of aspen trees. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

“Something went drastically wrong,” Burt said. “The plane was trying to climb and appeared to have stalled.”

Darrell Ward’s motto, “Let’s Get it Done,” is well known by his family, friends, and fans. By standing in for his father, Reno Ward is proudly stepping forward to take Darrell’s place in the convoy. Several fans have expressed their admiration for his decision, and many have told Reno Ward that they are proud of him for continuing the legacy left behind by his father.

The Darrell Ward Tribute Tour will also feature Marc Springer (Shipping Wars), Todd and Tamera Sturgis (Shipping Wars), Chrome and Steele Radio owner Bruce Lacasse, and Darrell Ward’s manager, Bob Stanton. Other special guests from Diesel Spec will make appearances as well.

“Traveling to Nova Scotia and being the Convoy Marshall for the 2016 Convoy for Special Olympics Nova Scotia was an important cause for Darrell. The day prior to his accident he and our team had a conversation about how excited he was to travel to Eastern Canada for his first time to meet his fans and the athletes. We knew that Darrell would want us to follow through on his commitment to his fans and this event,” Stanton said. “When we talked to our team, we weren’t surprised that everyone was on-board to make this tribute a success in his memory. Special thanks goes to Diesel Spec for their helping us bring this all together.”

The Ward team has several things planned, including a memorial banner, the Darrell Ward Giving Back Award, and they have set up a fan pledge page for donations.

The Special Olympics Nova Scotia chapter was established in 1979, and is dedicated to enriching through sports the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics supports athletes both off and on the playing field. According to their website, athletes in 15 regions across Nova Scotia are served. Their goal is to make sure all athletes receive the very best in training and competitive experiences.

In order to do this, SONS provides the highest quality coaches, games, and life experiences possible, with 150 weekly programs and 300 coaches. What SONS accomplishes makes this the type of program that Darrell Ward, his son Reno, and so many others want to help by participating in the annual Convoy for Special Olympics Nova Scotia.

What do you think about Reno Ward stepping up to continue what his father began? Leave your comments, thoughts, and opinions below. Ice Road Truckers is currently in the middle of its 10th season, and Darrell Ward is still a very integral part of the series. IRT X airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on the History channel.

[Featured Image by Reno Ward/Facebook]

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