Shane and Kelli Kilcher’s Son Reid Survived Serious Car Crash in Alaska – Family Grateful, Granddaughter Brought Joy After Recovery

Anchorage, Alaska | October–November 2024 –
Fans of Alaska: The Last Frontier were met with a wave of concern and gratitude in late 2024 as Shane and Kelli Ware Kilcher revealed that their youngest son, Reid Kilcher, was involved in a serious car accident that totaled the family’s 4Runner SUV. The crash occurred in mid-October 2024 during a late-night return to their home outside Anchorage, with Reid narrowly escaping severe injury.

In a heartfelt Facebook post dated October 20, 2024, Kelli Kilcher shared details of the terrifying incident. Reid, while driving back from caring for the family’s dogs, swerved off the road after another vehicle backed into traffic. The impact flipped the SUV multiple times, with the family’s dog also inside.

“He managed to grab hold of her during all that and probably saved her life,” Kelli wrote. Reid suffered a broken wrist but was otherwise okay—something the Kilchers say they are “incredibly thankful” for. Tragically, the only other casualty in the wreck was Shane’s cherished rifle, which was destroyed in the accident.

Family SUV Totaled – But It Saved a Life

The vehicle—a Toyota 4Runner—was declared totaled. However, the family credits it for saving Reid and the dog from more serious harm. “I love that car,” Kelli wrote. “It saved my baby from much worse injuries or even worse.”

In the aftermath, the Kilchers returned to their trusted dealership, Kendall Toyota of Anchorage, and purchased a new 4Runner five weeks later. In a November 18, 2024 update, Kelli expressed gratitude to dealership staff, especially an employee named RJ, for helping them get back on the road. She also shared that their granddaughter had already christened the new SUV with muffin crumbs on the ride home.

“Can’t recommend Toyota vehicles enough for our crazy weather and rough roads!” she added.

Overview of Shane and Kelli Kilcher’s Children

If you’ve been following the Kilcher family through the years, you’ll recognize their close-knit bond and each child’s distinct personality. Shane and Kelli Kilcher have four children, and their names have come up many times over the years in social media posts and family updates. Here’s a quick refresher on the lineup—from oldest to youngest:

1. Jareth Vance Kilcher, born around 1991, is the eldest of the bunch.
2. Keenan Tarik Kilcher, born circa 1993, is known for his guitar skills (and once being called a roofline inspector in jest!).
3. Jenna Kilcher, likely born around 1997, was described as a spirited 13-year-old in a playful post from 2010.
4. Reid Kilcher, born approximately in 1995, is the youngest son and the one involved in the 2024 accident.

This context helps clarify who was behind the wheel that night and gives a fuller picture of the Kilcher family’s dynamic.

A Reminder of Gratitude

The incident stands as a strong reminder of the unpredictability of Alaska’s roads and the importance of vehicle safety. With their son recovering, the family expressed nothing but gratitude for the outcome—and for the support of their community and local dealership.

As they returned to daily life, Kelli ended her update on a humorous note: “Thanks RJ who even signed over his soul to get me in for my oil changes when I’m in town.”