‘Storm Chasers’ Star Joel Taylor Dies at 38

Joel Taylor, one of the stars of the Discovery Channel reality series Storm Chasers, died suddenly on Tuesday. He was 38. 

A number of Taylor’s friends confirmed his death on social media, although the cause of death is still unclear at this time. 

An Oklahoma native, Taylor joined Storm Chasers in 2008. The show followed a group of scientists as they attempted to “chase” tornadoes for research purposes in and around Oklahoma’s infamous Tornado Alley. 

Taylor, who had studied meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, starred as a driver on the show and often accompanied Reed Timmer as they chased storms. He was with the show until it was canceled in 2012.

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A number of Taylor’s colleagues who worked on Storm Chasers as well as people in the storm-chaser community took to social media to pay tribute to him on Tuesday. 

RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor. I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend. We chased so many intense storms, and I wish we could have just one more storm chase. I’ll miss you forever, Joel. We lost a legend pic.twitter.com/htN45t8wik

— Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) January 24, 2018

What?!? @jctsooner died today! So sad to hear this news. That’s it… I’m watching Discovery’s Storm Chasers Season 1 in honor of Joel Taylor! Man… my heart goes out to Joel’s family and friends. Anyone know the cause of death?

— Dan Skoff (@weatherdan) January 24, 2018

An entire generation of meteorologists and storm chasers grew up on and were inspired by the actions of Joel Taylor. May his spirit carry on in them and may he rest in peace.

— Nolan Meister (@Nolan_Meister) January 24, 2018

Terrible news in the weather community tonight. RIP Joel Taylor. A great guy who will be sorely missed.

— Chris McBee (@McBeeWX) January 24, 2018