What Happened to Jay Westgard? Biography of Ice Road Truckers Star, Career, Wife & Daughters

History Channel’s hit series Ice Road Truckers introduced audiences to some of the toughest drivers in the world, men and women who hauled massive loads across frozen lakes and remote highways under life-threatening conditions. One of the drivers featured was Jay Westgard, a Canadian heavy-haul specialist known for his calm demeanor, technical skills, and ability to move oversized freight where others wouldn’t dare. His appearances on the show highlighted not only his trucking expertise but also the demanding logistics of northern Canada’s most extreme routes. Over the years, many fans have wondered: what happened to Jay Westgard after his time on Ice Road Truckers?

Backgroound and Career

Based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Westgard started building his reputation in trucking and mining at an exceptionally young age. At just 16 years old in 1998, he entered the workforce as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the Ekati Diamond Mine, one of Canada’s premier diamond operations. By the time he turned 18, he had already purchased his own truck, showcasing both ambition and entrepreneurial drive. From 1998 to 2004, he expanded his expertise at Ekati before moving to the Diavik Diamond Mine, where he spent more than seven years (2004–2011) operating heavy equipment in some of the harshest northern conditions. This extensive background in oversized and delicate load handling directly prepared him for the high‑stakes assignments on Ice Road Truckers. When he appeared in Season 1 at 25 years old, he was highlighted as one of the youngest heavy‑haul specialists working the ice roads in Canada.

Role on Ice Road Truckers

On the show, he was consistently assigned high‑risk, oversized loads—from hauling a 48‑ton ore scrubber over fragile ice to transporting a 95,000‑pound diamond‑ore scrubber to the De Beers mine in the episode “Driving on Thin Ice.” He also joined a jet fuel delivery convoy to Deline, one of the most dangerous but essential assignments for Arctic communities. His calm professionalism and technical expertise not only kept him safe but also underscored the genuine challenges of ice road trucking.

Life After the Show

After his television stint, Jay Westgard stepped back from the spotlight but never left the trucking industry. In 2016, he founded Arctic West Transport, where he continues to serve as Director of Operations. Based in the Northwest Territories, the company focuses on heavy-haul and specialized freight projects across Canada’s northern regions. In 2017, Arctic West Transport joined forces with two other partners to create a joint venture called Dene Arctic West. The partnership included Q-Line, one of Canada’s largest freight companies, and Denesoline, the business arm of the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation. The third partner was J&S Contracting, a family business run by Jay and his wife Desiree Westgard.

This venture was designed to deliver vital supplies—like fuel, explosives, machinery, and heavy equipment—to remote diamond mines during the short winter ice road season. According to a 2025 land-use permit record, Westgard is also listed as President of Arctic West Trucking, reflecting his ongoing leadership role. In an August 2025 post, he noted the successful delivery of a large custom unit into Canada, adding that the specialized equipment his team uses helps make demanding jobs safer and more efficient. This update highlights how he continues to oversee challenging heavy-haul projects while maintaining an active, hands-on role in northern logistics.

Personal Life: Wife and Children

Jay Westgard married Desiree Westgard in 2007, when she wore a white lace gown with intricate embroidery and a flowing train accented with floral details—a look that reflected both elegance and tradition. Together, they have two daughters, with their eldest named Shayla, who is pursuing studies in Social Work at Mount Royal University. The family resides in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where Jay balances his responsibilities as a husband and father with the demands of operating Arctic West Transport.