NORMAN, Okla. – The storm chasing community is in shock following the death of a well-known storm chaser.
Joel Taylor starred alongside Reed Timmer on Discovery Channel’s television series ‘Storm Chasers.’
On Tuesday, friends and family announced his sudden passing. He was just 38-years-old.
“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,” Timmer posted on Twitter.
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
The cause of his death is not known at this point.
Officials with the San Juan Police Department tell NBC News that Taylor died on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that was arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Investigators say Taylor was found in his cabin and appears to have died at sea before the ship docked.
At this point, police say they do not suspect foul play.
“We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the 38-year-old male guest from the United States who died while onboard Harmony of the Seas. As is our standard procedure, law enforcement was notified and responded to the ship when it arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday, January 23. A member of our Care Team is providing support and assistance to his family,” a statement from Royal Caribbean read.
Taylor, who is an Oklahoma native, graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology.
