Rick Yemm Ice Road Truckers – Biography, Accident, Net Worth & Where He Is Now (2025)

When fans think of Ice Road Truckers, one face instantly comes to mind—Rick Yemm, the mohawk-wearing, tattooed trucker with a fiery personality. Known for his clashes with Hugh “Polar Bear” Rowland, his raw honesty, and his unforgettable one-liners, Rick became one of the most talked-about cast members in the history of the series. From his dramatic walk-offs in the early seasons to his daring adventures in IRT: Deadliest Roads, Yemm embodied the grit, chaos, and danger that made the show a hit. But where is he today? Let’s take a closer look at his journey, both on and off the ice roads.

Early Life and Background

Rick Yemm was born on February 4, 1975, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and later moved to Kelowna, British Columbia, where he currently resides. Growing up in a blue-collar environment, Rick developed a love for trucking and machinery at an early age. His bold attitude and “live life on the edge” approach would later make him a natural fit for reality television, though he never planned on becoming a TV personality.

Before joining Ice Road Truckers, Rick was already working in trucking and had built a reputation for being skilled, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge authority.

Ice Road Truckers Career

Seasons 1–2

Rick Yemm’s on‑screen debut came in Season 1 (2007) under Hugh Rowland’s command. He quickly stood out—not just for his tattoos and bold attitude, but for driving with a broken heater in −40 °C temperatures. This ultimately prompted him to walk off, fearing frostbite and frustrated by Hugh’s lack of action to fix the truck. That season, he logged 13 loads, earning an estimated $19,000—a valiant effort, even as he trailed veteran truckers Alex and Hugh.

In Season 2 (2008), Rick was one of the so-called “highway maggots” driving the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk ice road. Despite delivering 51 loads, he was unexpectedly fired on the final day—a dramatic turn that underscored the darker side of life on the ice.

Seasons 5–6

Rick returned in Season 5 (2011) aboard Polar Industries alongside Hugh Rowland on Canada’s Manitoba/Ontario ice roads. He delivered 20 loads, just one shy of Hugh’s 21 and two behind Alex’s 22. A particularly memorable moment came when Rick and Hugh hauled the largest load ever recorded on those routes—only stopping when they knocked down a high-voltage power line in a dramatic mishap.

In Season 6 (2012), Rick remained with Polar but saw his haul count plunge to 6 loads. In the episode “Hard Road Ahead,” he faced a near-catastrophic mechanical failure that could have cost him his life, highlighting the razor-thin margin between survival and disaster on treacherous ice roads.

IRT: Deadliest Roads (2010–2011)

When Rick Yemm stepped off the frozen highways and onto the cliff‑hangers of IRT: Deadliest Roads, he proved he was more than just a Canadian ice road driver—he was willing to take on the world’s most dangerous routes.

Season 1 – Himalayas (2010)

Rick joined Lisa Kelly and Alex Debogorski to tackle the chaotic mountain roads of northern India. Episodes featured him battling overloaded buses, crumbling passes, and sheer drops along the infamous “Freefall Freeway” and Rohtang Pass at 13,000 feet. His blunt commentary and fiery outbursts—especially when confronting aggressive local drivers—made him unforgettable. In one episode, after being pushed to the edge by a reckless bus, Rick famously refused to back down, showcasing his nerve under pressure.

Season 2 – South America (2011)

The following year Rick headed to Bolivia and Peru, including the notorious Yungas Road (“Death Road”), where cliffside routes left no margin for error. He initially partnered with Hugh Rowland, but after just two episodes Rick (along with Dave Redmon) decided the danger outweighed the reward and quit, openly admitting the risks were beyond what he was willing to accept.

Life After Ice Road Truckers

Rick’s post-Ice Road Truckers life has been shaped as much by his outspoken personality as his driving career. He has openly shared frustrations with how reality TV treated truckers and the long-lasting impact it had on him.

• On January 27, 2015, he posted on Facebook that he had “more than my fill of the BS” and confirmed he would not return to IRT again.
• On November 23, 2022, he revealed that behind-the-scenes politics led to what he described as a “lifetime ban” from the franchise. Fans speculated that Hugh Rowland might have been involved, but Rick clarified in Facebook replies that it was not Hugh, rather conflicts “between the mines and production” that led to him being sidelined. He noted that the truckers ultimately “paid the price” for disputes beyond their control.
• On January 18, 2023, Rick detailed how a car accident on December 26, 2022, left him without a vehicle and struggling with insurance delays. He wrote that he was unable to work shifts, calling it one of the hardest setbacks he had faced despite walking away from the crash unharmed.
• On June 2, 2024, he reflected on a meeting with an IRT showrunner back in Season 2, where he claimed producers admitted that “the masses are completely stupid and they will believe whatever we decide to show them.” Rick used this as an example of how manipulated both reality TV and broader society had become.

Where He Is Today

• 2015–2021: Returned to conventional trucking, largely staying out of the spotlight.
• 2022–2023: Struggled with fallout from his car accident but remained active online, sharing candid updates with fans.
• 2024–2025: Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Rick has stepped away from TV but occasionally records personalized shoutouts and motivational videos for fans. Despite setbacks, his voice and personality remain strong, and he continues to attract a loyal following who respect his honesty.

Personal Life

Rick’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. In the early 2010s, he was married to Jackie, as noted in a 2013 post by Red Dragon Apparel. However, the marriage did not last, and the two later divorced.

By 2020, Rick was in a new relationship with Angel Deakin, often sharing lighthearted and affectionate posts about her on Facebook. The couple even kept goats together, with Rick joking in 2021 that “life got a little weird after dating Angel—but weird is perfect for me.”

Rick’s official Facebook profile also shows that he is from Hamilton, Ontario, but currently living in Kelowna, British Columbia. While he keeps much of his family life private, these glimpses reveal a man who values companionship, humor, and authenticity.

Where Is Rick Yemm Now? (2025 Update)

As of 2025, Rick Yemm is alive and based in Kelowna, British Columbia. He is no longer driving ice roads but continues to stay connected to trucking. Fans can occasionally find him online, where he shares personal reflections and lighthearted updates.

Though his time on television ended years ago, Rick remains a beloved figure in the Ice Road Truckers legacy. His raw honesty, larger-than-life personality, and unforgettable mohawk made him a standout—and fans continue to search for updates on his life today.

Quick Wiki Bio Facts

Full Name	Rick Yemm
Birthday	February 4, 1975
Age (2025)	50 years old
Birthplace	Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Current Residence	Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Profession	Trucker, Reality TV Personality
TV Shows	Ice Road Truckers (Seasons 1–2, 5–6), IRT: Deadliest Roads (Seasons 1–2)
Marital Status	Divorced (ex-wife Jackie); later in relationship with Angel Deakin
Children	Not publicly disclosed
Known For	Mohawk hairstyle, fiery personality, outspoken nature on Ice Road Truckers