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Joel Taylor, the star of Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers,” has died at age 38. His co-star Reed Timmer took to Twitter to confirm the news, writing: ““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”
Joel was always fascinated by storms and studied Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma where he first met his future co-star Reed Timmer. He joined Storm Chasers in 2008.
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
Photos of Joel doing what he loved #stormchasing pic.twitter.com/VHO7i4j2Xn
— Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) January 24, 2018
Joel’s final Facebook post was a happy family announcement welcoming his new niece on January 15, sharing news of his niece’s birth, he wrote: “My first niece arrived this morning!”
According to TMZ, the cause of death was a suspected overdose on a cruise ship. Passengers on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Harmony Of The Seas that the 38-year-old star was using drugs with many of the cruise members, specifically ecstasy and cocaine. He was found unresponsive in his cabin on Tuesday.
On Facebook, Western Oklahoma storm chasing group Team Western OK Chaser posted a tribute to the late star saying: “Our community of Elk City and the storm chasing community lost a great guy today. Joel Taylor was truly an inspiration to myself and many who knew him. He was one of the most level-headed chasers on the roads and truly a classy guy outside of chasing. He didn’t chase for the glory he chased because he had a true passion for storms. In the last few years, he’d load up with his dad and go chase and not even take a camera.”
The Discovery Channel bio for Joel speaks to his passion and reads: “Growing up near the heart of tornado alley, Joel had a front-row seat to plenty of severe storms and tornadoes. Always fascinated by these phenomena, he attended the University of Oklahoma to study meteorology. The two have intercepted countless tornadoes, and with Joel’s keen knowledge of the back roads of the Great Plains, he has long been the trusted driver of Reed’s TVN team.”
Co-workers, celebrities, and fans alike are taking to Twitter to eulogize the young star, and thank him for the work he’s done for the meteorology community.
I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Joel Taylor. My heart goes out to his parents. Long before his Discovery fame, Joel and his parents accompanied us on a trip to Hawaii while we taped our show Atmosphere’s. His passion for tornadoes was infectioushttps://t.co/tXUiUF5aUo
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) 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
Terrible news in the weather community tonight. RIP Joel Taylor. A great guy who will be sorely missed.
— Chris McBee (@McBeeWX) January 24, 2018
Horrible to hear that we've lost Joel Taylor today. One of the kindest chasers I've met – he was more than happy to take a picture with a star-struck nerd back in 2014. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/vm1HCvuBAS
— Sean Ernst (@Sean_Ernst_Wx) January 24, 2018
I was lucky enough to meet Joel a few years ago at Reed’s wedding. He was so kind to me and we got to hang out for a bit during those few days. I snapped this photo of him and that just seemed like who he was. A huge smile. RIP Joel Taylor…you will be so missed. pic.twitter.com/mZI5eHzhKG
— Mike Olbinski (@MikeOlbinski) January 24, 2018
