Alex Debogorski is basically a living legend in the trucking world. If you spent any time watching Ice Road Truckers on the History Channel, you know the laugh. It’s that deep, booming cackle that usually followed a near-death experience on a frozen lake. But the show hasn’t aired a new episode since 2017. Naturally, fans keep asking: where is Alex Debogorski now, and is he actually still driving those terrifying ice roads at his age?
Honestly, the answer is a bit more complicated than just "he's retired" or "he's still driving." As of early 2026, Alex is still very much a fixture of Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories. He hasn't just faded into the tundra. While he isn't staring down television cameras every winter anymore, his life hasn't slowed down much. He’s transitioned from a reality TV star into a sort of elder statesman of the North, balancing family life, public speaking, and—yes—the occasional stint behind the wheel.
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The Reality of the Ice Roads in 2026
The biggest misconception is that Alex hung up the keys the second the History Channel stopped calling. That’s just not how he’s wired. Even in his 70s, reports from 2025 and early 2026 indicate that Alex still keeps his hand in the industry. He’s been seen around Yellowknife, and while he might not be doing the grueling 24-hour hauls of his youth, he remains connected to the winter road seasons.
He's also found a new way to share his stories. Around 2022, he joined an internet streaming station geared specifically toward truckers. He hosts a program called "Tale Lights." It’s basically exactly what you’d expect: Alex sitting down and spinning yarns about his decades on the road. For a guy who has survived everything from coal mine collapses to 37 bar fights in a single week (according to his own lore), he’s got plenty of material.
Life Beyond the Cab
Alex has always been a family man first. You’ve probably heard the stats: 11 children and over a dozen grandchildren. That’s a lot of birthdays. In recent years, his focus has shifted significantly toward his community in Yellowknife and his large family.
However, it hasn't all been easy. The Debogorski family has faced significant personal hardship. His son Andrew, who suffered from ALS, tragically passed away following a house fire several years ago. It was a moment that shook the Yellowknife community, but it also showed the deep respect people have for the family. Alex has often spoken about how the support from fans and neighbors helped them through those dark times. It’s a reminder that beneath the "tough trucker" exterior, there’s a guy who’s deeply rooted in his faith and his people.
What Happened to Ice Road Truckers?
People still search for "Ice Road Truckers Season 12" every single year. Kinda crazy, right? But the reality is that the show was never officially "canceled" in the traditional sense; it just sort of stopped. There were rumors about the mines in the Northwest Territories not being thrilled with the way the show portrayed the safety of the roads. They felt the "drama" made the industry look more reckless than it actually is.
Alex has been pretty open about this. He once mentioned that while the show brought fame to Yellowknife, it also created some tension with the locals. When the production moved to Alaska for a few seasons, it caused even more friction. Nowadays, the "drama" is gone, and the real ice road truckers are back to doing their jobs without a film crew following them into the ditch.
The Business of Being Alex
So, how does a retired-ish reality star make a living in 2026?
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- Public Speaking: He still makes appearances. In 2024 and 2025, he was listed as a guest speaker for cruise lines and trucking conventions. People still want to hear the "King of the Road" talk about the thin ice.
- Writing: His book, King of the Road: True Tales from a Legendary Ice Road Trucker, continues to sell. It’s basically his manifesto.
- Digital Content: Alex was ahead of the curve here. He’s experimented with various "on-demand" video platforms over the years, trying to give fans a "raw and uncut" look at his life outside of the IRT editing room.
- Eagle North Contracting: He’s run his own business for years, doing everything from digging dirt to hauling loads for smaller operators.
The Health Question
There are always rumors about Alex's health, mostly because of how dangerous his career was. While he’s definitely older and has dealt with the standard wear and tear of a man who spent forty years bouncing around in a semi-truck, he’s still active. He’s often spotted at community events in Yellowknife, still sporting that signature beard and a big grin. He’s survived more than most people can imagine, and as of 2026, he seems to be enjoying the slower pace of life—well, "slow" by Debogorski standards.
Why We Still Care About Alex
Why are we still talking about where is Alex Debogorski now almost a decade after his show ended? Honestly, it’s because he represents a dying breed. He’s a guy who worked four jobs to support eleven kids. He’s a guy who prays with inmates at the local jail and then goes out and drives a 40-ton truck over three feet of ice. He’s authentic in a way that modern reality TV rarely allows.
He didn't move to Hollywood. He didn't try to launch a line of energy drinks. He stayed in Yellowknife. He stayed with his wife, Louise. He stayed a trucker.
Moving Forward: Staying Connected with the Legend
If you're looking to keep tabs on Alex, your best bet isn't the History Channel. He’s most active through local Yellowknife community channels and occasional appearances on trucking podcasts or streaming shows like "Tale Lights."
If you're a fan of his journey, the best way to support him now is by checking out his memoir or following his occasional updates on social media. It's a great way to get the stories that the TV producers left on the cutting room floor—the ones that are too weird or too personal for a 42-minute episode.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Read the book: If you haven't read King of the Road, grab a copy. It fills in the gaps about his life before the cameras showed up.
- Look for "Tale Lights": Check out the internet streaming stations for truckers to find his recent storytelling sessions.
- Support ALS research: In honor of his son Andrew, consider donating to ALS organizations, a cause that remains very close to the Debogorski family's heart.