Hugh Rowland: The Untold Story Of The Ice Road Trucker Star!

Can the grueling life on the ice roads shatter more than just vehicles? For Hugh "Polar Bear" Rowland, the answer appears to be a resounding yes, as his journey on "Ice Road Truckers" allegedly led to a legal battle, a strained marriage, and a significant decline in his overall well-being. Rowland, a fan favorite for eight seasons of the History Channel's hit show, found himself navigating treacherous terrain both on and off the screen.

Hugh Rowland's rise to prominence came from his role as a seasoned trucker on "Ice Road Truckers," a reality series that captivated audiences from 2007 to 2017. The show documented the lives of drivers who braved frozen lakes and rivers in remote areas of Canada and the United States, delivering essential goods under perilous conditions. Rowland, known for his strength, stamina, and what some perceived as an "overbearing personality," quickly earned the moniker "Polar Bear." His presence was a constant from season 1 to season 8, making him a familiar face for viewers tuning in to witness the dangers and drama of ice road trucking.

However, Rowland's journey wasn't without its bumps, both literally and figuratively. While some of his co-stars, like Lisa Kelly, found camaraderie and connection through their television stardom, Rowland's experience took a different turn. He revealed that during his time on "Ice Road Truckers," he had to fire a significant portion of his staff, a decision that undoubtedly added stress to an already demanding profession.

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Beyond the professional challenges, Rowland's personal life also faced turbulence. In the first season of "Ice Road Truckers," his wife, Dianne, openly shared her anxieties about his dangerous job. Each departure for the ice roads was fraught with worry, knowing the inherent risks involved. This emotional strain seemingly foreshadowed the more significant difficulties that would later surface.

The turning point, as reported by multiple sources, appears to be a car accident that Rowland was involved in. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, January 9th at 5:20 a.m. on SR 101 near Shelton, Washington, according to a report provided by the Washington State Patrol's Trooper Chelsea A., allegedly left Rowland with severe and permanent injuries. These injuries, he claimed, not only prevented him from returning to his role on "Ice Road Truckers" but also hindered his ability to manage his trucking company, VP Express. Rowland, described as a "big, tough guy with a colorful turn of phrase," had been driving for over 30 years and had risen to become the boss of VP Express, one of the two major haulage companies operating in the region. The accident threatened to derail everything he had built.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Rowland's wife, Dianne, made some startling claims regarding the impact of the accident on their marriage. TMZ reported that she stated the couple could no longer be intimate. In court documents related to the lawsuit against the show's producer, Will Morrison, Dianne reportedly claimed that she was deprived of love, companionship, and the enjoyment of sexual relations as a result of her husband's injuries. These allegations painted a stark picture of the personal toll that the accident and its aftermath had taken on the Rowland family.

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The conflict between Rowland and Will Morrison ultimately led to a lawsuit. Rowland contended that the show and the accident had ruined his career and marital life. He alleged that the injuries he sustained prevented him from returning to work and significantly impacted his overall quality of life. The lawsuit highlighted the potential downsides of reality television, where the pursuit of dramatic content can sometimes come at a human cost.

It's worth noting that "Ice Road Truckers" wasn't without other instances of hardship and tragedy. While Rowland's case involved a lawsuit and personal struggles, other individuals associated with the show faced even more devastating circumstances. Brett Colley, for example, tragically lost his life in an accident while pursuing his dream of becoming an ice road trucker. Art Burke was involved in an explosion at an apartment in Yellowknife, Canada, further underscoring the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of the environment surrounding the show.

Before his foray into reality television, Hugh Rowland had deep roots in the trucking industry. He befriended icy roads as a teenager, honing his skills and developing the resilience required to navigate treacherous conditions. His early experiences included riding horses on his family farm in Alberta, instilling in him a sense of independence and a connection to the land. It was this combination of experience, strength, and stamina that ultimately earned him the "Polar Bear" moniker, a testament to his ability to withstand the harsh realities of ice road trucking.

Beyond his on-screen persona, Rowland was also a businessman. As the owner of VP Express, he played a vital role in the transportation of goods in remote regions. His company, along with one other haulage firm, was responsible for ensuring the delivery of essential supplies to communities that relied on these vital transportation routes. This entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his profession further solidified his reputation as a hardworking and determined individual.

While Rowland's time on "Ice Road Truckers" ended in 2014, his legacy as one of the show's most memorable personalities remains. His story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of adventure and success can sometimes come with unforeseen consequences. The "Polar Bear," once a symbol of strength and resilience on the ice roads, faced challenges that tested his mettle in ways he likely never imagined. His experiences highlight the complexities of reality television and the potential impact it can have on the lives of those involved.

The show "Ice Road Truckers," which premiered on the History Channel on Sunday, June 9th at 10pm ET/PT, aimed to capture the drama of battling not only treacherous roads but also personal conflicts. The return of Lisa Kelly, dubbed "Queen of the Road", and her decision to take a side in the brewing feud was a core plot point that season, aiming to heighten the series tension.

The original concept for "Ice Road Truckers" can be traced back to the 2000 series "Suicide Missions," which also explored dangerous professions. "Ice Road Truckers" brought that danger into focus with a cast of distinct and quirky drivers, and Hugh Rowland was one of the shows stand-out personalities. He first appeared on the show in season one, episode one, titled Ready to Roll in 2007 and quickly became a series mainstay.

Despite being a no-show during the first season of "Deadliest Roads," Rowland eagerly accepted a role in the show's second season, in 2011. His Bolivian driving adventure kicked off with Rick Yemm. Yemm soon left and Rowland was forced to drive Death Road solo. He made it despite all the dangers that road posed.

While precise details are scarce, updates confirm that Rowland is still heading VP Express. Based in British Columbia, it is likely he's continued his involvement in transportation and logistics.

Details about Hugh Calkins, often mentioned alongside discussions of Rowland, are linked to genealogy records. Hugh Calkins was baptized on April 8, 1603, in Waverton, Cheshire, England. He was the son of Rowland Caulkins and Elen Payne. Hugh had an older brother, William, who appears to have survived, according to marriage records from 1631, showing a marriage to Elizabeth Siverston.

The records show several events for people with variations on the names Hugh Calkin and Rowland Calkin occurring from 1583 to 1639. Peter, son of Hugh Calkin, was noted on November 27, 1583. William, son of Rowland Calkin, appeared on January 11, 1600\/01. Hugh, son of Rowland Calkin, was recorded on April 8, 1603, with Peter, son of Rowland Calkin, following on August 18, 1605. Sara, daughter of Hugh Calkin, was recorded on May 6, 1627. Then Mary, daughter of Hugh Cawkin, was noted on December 27, 1629. Finally, Rebecka, daughter of Hugh Calkin, appeared on November 9, 1631, and another record for Hughs daughter was noted on April 17, 1639.

Alex Debogorski, another notable figure from "Ice Road Truckers," has been married to his wife Louise for over 50 years. Their meeting took place in Alberta, Canada, where Alex was employed at a tire store. They married in 1972 and relocated to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada in 1976. Alex and Louise have 11 children and 13 grandchildren. Also, Alex writes for the Yellowknifer, a local newspaper.