Otto Kilcher’s Beloved Horse Troika Dies | Emotional Tribute Marks End of an Era

On February 21, 2025, longtime Alaska: The Last Frontier star Otto Kilcher posted a moving YouTube video titled “End of An Era || RIP Troika,” announcing the death of his cherished horse, Troika. After years of companionship and hard work together on the Kilcher homestead, Troika passed away peacefully—bringing tears and reflection to both Otto and fans of the show.

“I stepped out here this morning to get the bucket of grain and go see my buddy Torika and give him his morning meal… and he’s gone. This is the day. He is no more.”

Troika’s Peaceful Passing: ‘We’ve Come to Peace’

In the 8-minute tribute, Otto walks viewers through the final moments with Troika. He shares how the horse had shown signs of slowing down—often lying down and not having the will to get up. Still, finding him lifeless that morning was painful.

“I’ve been noticing for the last few days… when he lays down, he just doesn’t have the will to get up. And I would often go up to him and just go, ‘Hey, at the end of your trail, buddy.’ And he’d just kind of look at me and put his head on my shoulder.”

“I’m just so glad I didn’t have to shoot him… he didn’t struggle. It looks like he was ready to go, and that gives my heart joy to know that he went out with his honor.”

Buried Beside Sophie: Honoring a Lifelong Companion

Despite bad weather, Otto and Charlotte Kilcher prepared a burial site for Troika next to Sophie, another animal companion buried the previous fall. Otto narrates the entire burial process, digging the grave near a canyon on the Kilcher property.

“So right here where we buried Sophie last fall, I’m going to put him right here… by this beautiful canyon on the Kilcher homestead in Kilcher country.”

Charlotte joins Otto in preserving small pieces of Troika’s mane and tail.

“I just feel like it’s a violation of him, but no, he’s dead.”

“God, he had a pretty mane… You’re the damndest lawn mower in the entire world. Love you, boy.”

Fans React to the Tribute: A Viral Farewell

The video quickly resonated with fans of Alaska: The Last Frontier, garnering over 125,000 views and thousands of heartfelt comments. Many viewers expressed sorrow, remembering Troika from the show and honoring Otto’s emotional honesty.

“It’s hard to let him go, but I’m really glad I didn’t have to shoot him,” Otto says, his voice cracking. “It ain’t easy. And I’m going to miss him.”

What Happened to Troika the Horse? (2025 Update)

For those wondering what happened to Troika—Otto Kilcher confirms in his February 2025 video that Troika passed away naturally after days of decline. The horse was buried on the Kilcher homestead beside Sophie with great care, respect, and emotion.

Final Thoughts: The End of an Era

Otto Kilcher’s tribute to Troika is more than a farewell to a horse—it’s a poignant reminder of the bond between humans and animals forged through years of trust, work, and companionship. The quiet burial, raw emotion, and snowy backdrop reflect a life well-lived and deeply loved.

“Ride high and find some beautiful ridges and some beautiful mares, Troika. Farewell.”