Tim Samaras, his son Paul Samaras, and Carl Young were killed while researching a killer tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma. The three tornado researchers were among nine people killed in storms that struck Oklahoma on Friday night. The tornado also tossed a Weather Channel GMC Yukon, slightly injuring its crew (See The Cardinal VIDEO: Weather Channel Mike Bettes and Crew Rollover Crash in Clash with El Reno, Oklahoma Tornado).
Tony Laubach here… it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share this news… on Friday, May 31, Tim Samaras, his son, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young lost their lives in the El Reno, OK tornado. This is a devastating loss to the meteorological, research, and storm chasing communities. I ask that you keep the families in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. There is some comfort in knowing these men passed on doing what they loved… Your support means the world. Thank you.
— Tony Laubach on Twistex Facebook page
Filmed May 21, 2013—Ten days before the crew was killed in El Reno, Oklahoma, and two days before a tornado with winds clocked at 190 miles per hour—tore through suburban Oklahoma City on May 20, National Geographic explorer and storm researcher Tim Samaras captured this video of a tornado forming in south-central Kansas.
Driven by Passion II Trailer for DVD by Twistex/Tim Samaras.
Keep your focus on your passion in life and the things you enjoy doing. You’ll get there. Trust me. I’m doing it.”
— Tim Samaras
Professional work of Tim Samaras showing video of strong tornado crossing Highway 4 just north of Langley, Kansas without the screaming and drama of some other tornado chasers.
Storm Chasers Two Hour Season Finale preview on Discovery! in 2009. In the last chase of the season, Tim Samaras travels to Wyoming in hopes of obtaining his first tornado probe intercept.
The men previously worked on the former Discovery Channel show “Storm Chasers.”
Tim Samaras founded TWISTEX (Tactical Weather Instrumented Sampling in Tornadoes Experiment) to study tornadoes and increase lead time for warnings, according to the official TWISTEX website.
Last post on Tim Samaras Facebook page …
Overnighted in Concordia, KS last night. In Super 8 lobby watching low clouds screaming to the west….what to do….what to do…hmmm..maybe do lunch and wander out west..
Everyone enjoy the chase–and hope that tornadoes wander over open country. Most of all, I reflect and appreciate the freedom this incredible country has to offer, and the ultimate sacrifices so many have made to make it happen.
Thank you. You are the true heros.
— Tim Samaras [link to post]
See also …
Tim Samaras (Facebook) …