One of the stars of a popular cable reality show that is currently airing its 10th season on History was killed Sunday in a plane crash. Reuters reports that Darrell Ward, a star of “Ice Road Truckers,” died in a crash in Montana.

A spokeswoman for History confirmed Ward’s death.

Ward, 52, was a star of the series from its sixth season on. He came to the show with 31 years of highway trucking experience, including driving logging trucks in the Rocky Mountains.

Reuters reports that Ward was flying to Missoula to start filming a pilot for a new documentary-type show about the recovery of plane wrecks.

In a statement, the History channel said: “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.”

Reuters adds: “The co-pilot of the Cessna 182, 56-year-old Mark Melotz, was also killed when the plane crashed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 while trying to land at a nearby airstrip, according to local media. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.”

Here’s a short video we found on YouTube wherein Ward introduces himself to viewers back in 2012: