'Storm Chasers' Joel Taylor dead at age 38
Joel Taylor, a former host of one of Discovery Channel's more popular shows, "Storm Chasers," died unexpectedly Tuesday at age 38.
His death was announced on social media by his friends and co-workers, including his former "Storm Chasers" co-star Reed Timmer.
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
Taylor appeared on "Storm Chasers" from 2008 through 2012, when the show was cancelled. The series followed scientists as they chased down tornadoes to study the path and behavior.
According to People, Taylor was a native of Elk City, Okla., and studied meteorology at the University of Oklahoma with Timmer.
Taylor's friends and fans paid tribute to him on social media.
Photos of Joel doing what he loved #stormchasing pic.twitter.com/VHO7i4j2Xn
" Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) 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
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
So shocked to hear this. I never got to meet him unfortunately but I was a huge fan during the Discovery Channel days. I hear he was a tremendous guy. RIP :-/
" Jacob DeLong (@jacob_wx) January 24, 2018
😢😢🙏🙏 #RIPJoelTaylor
" Pâmela 💛💚 (@OliverBirdy) January 24, 2018
A Facebook post on the Team Western OK Chaser page said the cause of death was not immediately known. According to People magazine, his death was not storm related.
