‘Storm Chasers’ Star Joel Taylor Dead at Age 30: “We Lost a Legend”

Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers star Joel Taylor sadly passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 at the young age of 38. News spread of the reality star’s death after his former co-star, Reed Timmer, shared the news on Twitter.

“RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor,” he wrote. “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.” His friend, Mike Olbinski, also shared his condolences on Twitter. “I was lucky enough to meet Joel a few years ago at Reed’s wedding,” he tweeted. “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.”

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Joel appeared on Storm Chasers in the late 2000s. Fans have already taken to Twitter to share their respects to the late star. “Thinking of Joel Taylor and his many friends and family tonight. Good man. Good storm chaser. May he rest in peace,” one tweeted. Another added, “Hearing the very horrible news that storm chaser Joel Taylor has passed away! He was word wide known from discovery channels storm chasers! R.I.P buddy! You will be missed.”

Joel’s cause of death is unclear at the time — he is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Tracy, as well as his brother and sister. In a recent statement, Discovery Channel told Us Weekly, “We are so saddened to hear about Joel’s passing. We will always remember him fondly as an incredible meteorologist and driver of ‘The Dominator.’ Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”