How did Jim Tweto die? 'Flying Wild Alaska' star, 68, was spotted flying Cessna 180 plane minutes before death

Jim Tweto's daughter, Ariel, wrote in an emotional post, 'He died doing what he truly loved and is now with Uncle Ron up there soaring'
UPDATED JUN 18, 2023
Jim Tweto  starred in 'Flying Wild Alaska' for three successful seasons (YouTube/Discovery UK)
Jim Tweto starred in 'Flying Wild Alaska' for three successful seasons (YouTube/Discovery UK)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Flying Wild Alaska’ star Jim Tweto tragically died in a plane crash at 68. In 2011, ‘Flying Wild Alaska’ on Discovery Channel truly took off with three successful seasons following the Tweto family business. Jim Tweto emerged as a beloved part of the documentary, garnering a fan following over the years. Born in 1954, Tweto married Ferno Tweto and the couple shared three children. 

Alaska State Troopers announced Tweto’s death, along with a hunting guide and a good friend who accompanied him, Shane Reynolds, as they encountered a fatal and unexpected crash. Tweto has a family-run aviation business, which was featured in ‘Flying Wild Alaska’ which has only added to this unwitting tragedy.

How did Jim Tweto die?

Tweto plummeted to his death in a fatal plane crash, and while the causalities were only two, the loss remains devastating. The plane crash took place 35 miles from Shaktoolik, Alaska, at about 11.50 am on Friday, June 16. The plane that Tweto was flying was a Cessna 180, which is considerably small, given Tweto’s experience with different kinds of planes in his past. As per the official report, Tweto’s plane “was witnessed taking off but not climbing and then crashing.” Reynolds and Tweto were barely in the air long enough before their plane crashed, killing both of them.

Tweto’s daughter shares devasting news

Tweto’s daughter, Ariel Tweto, has taken to Instagram to share this devasting news about her father as she continues to reel in from the loss. Ariel writes in an emotional post, “I didn’t think anything could hurt this bad. And I don’t know why I’m writing this, but the news is out so I figured you heard it from me. And I’d take any other type of pain if he could just land today. My dad a wonderful hunting guide and a friend of our family passed away this afternoon in his 180. He died doing what he truly loved and is now with Uncle Ron up there soaring. Please send love to both of them and my mom, sisters, and his wife and family.”

Ariel Tweto shares an emotional message and picture of the family after Jim Tweto's passing (Instagram/arieltweto)
Ariel Tweto shares an emotional message and picture of the family after dad Jim Tweto's demise (Instagram/arieltweto)

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