Will Campbell
EF2
People saying "victims". Based on the accident report, should Kelley have survived he would be charged with manslaughter. The victim is Corbin and Kelley's passenger.
3 storm chasers killed in 2-vehicle accident near Spur, Texas
- Thread starter Dan Robinson
- Start date
Greg Flint
EF1
Ugh. This is so terrible. Terrible terrible terrible news. I don't personally know any of the parties involved, but feel sick to my stomach over this. I'm angry for the 25 year olds parents that are now going to have to bury their son after what could be perceived as wreckless behavior on someone else's part. I'm angry at the TWC for tirelessly promoting Kelley Williamson's footage during ANY storm, then writing a press release and mentioning he was "contracted" by TWC. I feel terrible for Kelley's wife who is a tornado survivor, and who now doesn't have a husband. Thinking about her grief, is so saddening. I'm frustrated knowing the "statistics" would show that there were likely at least half a dozen other motorists that were killed yesterday in traffic accidents throughout the US, none of which we seem to give any thought to re: their families or loved ones.
All of this is just too much. And for what? 3 People lost their lives chasing a goddamn funnel. How idiotic when you really think about it.
All of this is just too much. And for what? 3 People lost their lives chasing a goddamn funnel. How idiotic when you really think about it.
Warren Faidley
Supporter
Years ago, Tom and I were chasing outside MAF when a large truck ran a stop sign -- missing us by only seconds. We started the process of calling out intersections by making sure one of us said "clear" as we approached. People always thought it was "silly" when they heard us on video doing this. Ironically, I did see another chaser "intentionally" run a stop sign on a live feed yesterday further south. I'll leave that footage to the DPS to sort out.
From a pilot's perspective, I always encouraged passengers to call out anything they saw, e.g., other aircraft I may have missed. One should never assume the driver knows a stop sign or hazard has been spotted. This is a tragic reminder that driving is by far the most dangerous part of our pursuits. This is a tragic set of circumstances. Two people in one vehicle that apparently missed seeing a stop sign and ill-fated timing on the part of Corbin. It's truly heartbreaking.
I think we all know where this conversation will turn once the grieving process is over. There is going to be some kind of atomic backlash from law enforcement and others about chasing.
W.
From a pilot's perspective, I always encouraged passengers to call out anything they saw, e.g., other aircraft I may have missed. One should never assume the driver knows a stop sign or hazard has been spotted. This is a tragic reminder that driving is by far the most dangerous part of our pursuits. This is a tragic set of circumstances. Two people in one vehicle that apparently missed seeing a stop sign and ill-fated timing on the part of Corbin. It's truly heartbreaking.
I think we all know where this conversation will turn once the grieving process is over. There is going to be some kind of atomic backlash from law enforcement and others about chasing.
W.
Will Campbell
EF2
Without a doubt. Watching his stream he ran at least 4 stop signs that I could count, all of which had signs notifying of an upcoming stop sign and what appears to be rumble bars in the road. His negligence cost 2 poor souls their lives.
Two words: defensive driving. Others touched on this, but you can never trust that the other drivers around you aren't going to do something dangerous. I watch the body language of other vehicles near me and have avoided many accidents over the years, but alas, sometimes it just doesn't matter and an accident happens regardless. Chasing involves so many gadgets and devices in vehicle that it is inherently distracting. How do we fix it? I have no idea, but it seems to be an issue we face quite often these days.
Most importantly, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones. I've lost my father and sister since 2017 started, so the pain and grief is real and unavoidable.
Most importantly, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones. I've lost my father and sister since 2017 started, so the pain and grief is real and unavoidable.
Kevin R Burgess
EF1
Chasing is exhilarating & stressful...Fatigue can, & may have, easily set-in...
I know Kelley & Randy had logged many miles,and had put in numerous hours this season.
These factors could have lead to their mistake.
So,lets wait for the final police reports,before making judgements...
I know Kelley & Randy had logged many miles,and had put in numerous hours this season.
These factors could have lead to their mistake.
So,lets wait for the final police reports,before making judgements...
Will Campbell
EF2
Driving many hours and miles doesn't magically indemnify you for running a stop sign and killing someone. That's just ignorant.
JF Massicotte
EF3
I have waited until today to post my thought. First, all my thoughts are for the families of those involved in this tragic accident.
The chasing world reminds me a lot of a safety training I had a couple years ago. I work an inherently dangerous job just like storm chasing and I think what I learnt in the training applies pretty well here.
When looking at the last few chasers deaths, there is a constant to appears obvious to me: they fell victim of complacency. For our case, I will define complacency as a natural human behavior when constantly dealing with a level of danger and said human gets to the point he/she no longer fears said danger. I think it is not only human but natural animal behavior as well.
When faced with a danger multiple times, you no longer fear and it becomes easy to let your guard down. This is something true for just about EVERYONE. I don't think it is a coincidence if the majority of tragedies have struck chasers who were experienced and seasoned, just like a 10 years veteran firefighter seems to have more chance at being killed than a probie. The more you chase, the less you fear the tornado, the roads, the chaser crowd. That's normal. Tim S. no longer feared the tornado. That's normal. And the next thing, you lower your guard and realize too late you just got caught.
I've looked at Kelley's stream in the past and I never identified him as being reckless, maybe I just have a short memory. I don't think he has that habit to pass stops like he sadly did yesterday. I don't have the full story, and probably never will, but it looks to me that the driver was just overwhelmed with chase information and didn't pay enough attention to the road. We all know that driving around storms is the most dangerous part of chasing, but after a couple years we no longer fear it. We no longer fear it to the point where we treat the driving part of chasing mechanically just like normal driving going to work, we feel like driving 300 mile on a chase day is the same as driving 15 minutes. Anyone here taking extra precautions to make sure he stays fit and never get tired before going out?
If anyone comes and tell me he's never complacent, I will reply he's a liar. Everyone is. Only thing is, once you are aware of that, you can try to control it's effects. May this example make you fear yourself when you no longer fear what was once recognized as a threat. I cannot swear this could not have happened to me.
It's not just the roads or the tornado, the next tragedy could be lightning related and the same will apply. Most chasers no longer fear lightning and I can predict with a lot a confidence some will get killed one day. Could be flash floods. Many things we get to fear less and less.
The chasing world reminds me a lot of a safety training I had a couple years ago. I work an inherently dangerous job just like storm chasing and I think what I learnt in the training applies pretty well here.
When looking at the last few chasers deaths, there is a constant to appears obvious to me: they fell victim of complacency. For our case, I will define complacency as a natural human behavior when constantly dealing with a level of danger and said human gets to the point he/she no longer fears said danger. I think it is not only human but natural animal behavior as well.
When faced with a danger multiple times, you no longer fear and it becomes easy to let your guard down. This is something true for just about EVERYONE. I don't think it is a coincidence if the majority of tragedies have struck chasers who were experienced and seasoned, just like a 10 years veteran firefighter seems to have more chance at being killed than a probie. The more you chase, the less you fear the tornado, the roads, the chaser crowd. That's normal. Tim S. no longer feared the tornado. That's normal. And the next thing, you lower your guard and realize too late you just got caught.
I've looked at Kelley's stream in the past and I never identified him as being reckless, maybe I just have a short memory. I don't think he has that habit to pass stops like he sadly did yesterday. I don't have the full story, and probably never will, but it looks to me that the driver was just overwhelmed with chase information and didn't pay enough attention to the road. We all know that driving around storms is the most dangerous part of chasing, but after a couple years we no longer fear it. We no longer fear it to the point where we treat the driving part of chasing mechanically just like normal driving going to work, we feel like driving 300 mile on a chase day is the same as driving 15 minutes. Anyone here taking extra precautions to make sure he stays fit and never get tired before going out?
If anyone comes and tell me he's never complacent, I will reply he's a liar. Everyone is. Only thing is, once you are aware of that, you can try to control it's effects. May this example make you fear yourself when you no longer fear what was once recognized as a threat. I cannot swear this could not have happened to me.
It's not just the roads or the tornado, the next tragedy could be lightning related and the same will apply. Most chasers no longer fear lightning and I can predict with a lot a confidence some will get killed one day. Could be flash floods. Many things we get to fear less and less.
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Stan Rose
EF5
well this really sucks...not sure I ever met him but I knew Kelley from this forum and had some correspondence with him. I had my own car accident while chasing in OK three years ago so this hits home. Major loss for the community. my condolences to family and friends... 
Dan Robinson
EF5
FYI there are conflicting reports on whether or not Williamson or Yarnall was the driver of the TWC vehicle. Credible information says it was the latter. I saw at least one article (by the AP) that had the facts grossly mixed up (it said Jaeger was a passenger in Yarnall's vehicle and Williamson was alone).
I don't post here often, but this is an important topic.
While it is definitely a time for grief, I don't think we can begin absorbing lessons from this tragedy too early. This WILL happen again if the chasing community does not take this to heart, and I mean really look inward- there is a tremendous arrogance and negligent single-mindedness that has crept into the community - maybe the word complacent is better- as mentioned by another poster. Regardless of the description, this event was proof enough for me that priorities are getting backwards.
From what I saw of the stream yesterday (after the fact) there was at least one previous stop sign run and a general tone of distraction going on in that vehicle. Driving was being taken for granted. Lots of chatter on the phone/radio about radar- pretty sure by the driver but facts are still coming out. Discussion and perhaps confusion about the road route, possibly both people looking at maps and radar (sounded very likely). There were three signs warning of the approaching intersection and stop sign, as well as the stop sign itself: the junction sign, a yellow highway intersection approaching sign, and a yellow stop ahead sign. Also, not wearing a seat belt?! Are you kidding me?
From my own mistakes (which are many and I have been lucky) I've learned to keep a close guard on my mind when driving to avoid getting too distracted. When I feel myself getting too interested in something that is not driving, it's time to pull over and consider whatever it is safely, or ignore it. I have not missed much by slowing it down and doing things more safely. I think by planning ahead and being more strategic you can be in the right place at the right time without hurrying or cutting corners, and if you miss something by five minutes? Oh well. Some shaky video or seeing a tornado is not worth your life, the lives of your passengers, or the lives of others. It's not worth fire and law enforcement officials having to deal with scraping your body out of a car. It's not worth locals feeling frightened, irritated or disrespected when you speed through their town or block their farm roads.
I know I am going to take a hard look at my own habits to make sure I am doing it as safely and as respectfully as I can. I hope we all correct what we can, stop defending risky or disrespectful behavior as "my chase style" etc. If we see someone doing it wrong, politely speak up. The community may face more ill sentiment going forward, and only policing ourselves can help that reputation.
While it is definitely a time for grief, I don't think we can begin absorbing lessons from this tragedy too early. This WILL happen again if the chasing community does not take this to heart, and I mean really look inward- there is a tremendous arrogance and negligent single-mindedness that has crept into the community - maybe the word complacent is better- as mentioned by another poster. Regardless of the description, this event was proof enough for me that priorities are getting backwards.
From what I saw of the stream yesterday (after the fact) there was at least one previous stop sign run and a general tone of distraction going on in that vehicle. Driving was being taken for granted. Lots of chatter on the phone/radio about radar- pretty sure by the driver but facts are still coming out. Discussion and perhaps confusion about the road route, possibly both people looking at maps and radar (sounded very likely). There were three signs warning of the approaching intersection and stop sign, as well as the stop sign itself: the junction sign, a yellow highway intersection approaching sign, and a yellow stop ahead sign. Also, not wearing a seat belt?! Are you kidding me?
From my own mistakes (which are many and I have been lucky) I've learned to keep a close guard on my mind when driving to avoid getting too distracted. When I feel myself getting too interested in something that is not driving, it's time to pull over and consider whatever it is safely, or ignore it. I have not missed much by slowing it down and doing things more safely. I think by planning ahead and being more strategic you can be in the right place at the right time without hurrying or cutting corners, and if you miss something by five minutes? Oh well. Some shaky video or seeing a tornado is not worth your life, the lives of your passengers, or the lives of others. It's not worth fire and law enforcement officials having to deal with scraping your body out of a car. It's not worth locals feeling frightened, irritated or disrespected when you speed through their town or block their farm roads.
I know I am going to take a hard look at my own habits to make sure I am doing it as safely and as respectfully as I can. I hope we all correct what we can, stop defending risky or disrespectful behavior as "my chase style" etc. If we see someone doing it wrong, politely speak up. The community may face more ill sentiment going forward, and only policing ourselves can help that reputation.
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Greg Flint
EF1
According to a tweet on 3/15 by Corey, he wasn't planning on chasing on the plains until April at the earliest. I guess yesterday's set up looked so damn good, he couldn't wait.
Jake Orosi
EF4
Nah, I don't think we'll have to worry about that so much. Many were similarly confident we could expect something along those lines in the wake of the El Reno tragedy, but absolutely nothing ever came of it. In another later event, people became upset again after some rural county sheriff in Kansas (I think) complained in a local paper interview about those goll-dang rackin' frackin' storm chasers clogging the roads or something, and fear of a law enforcement crackdown was once again imminent; but absolutely nothing ever came of that either.
Warren Faidley
Supporter
As someone else noted, driver distractions are a major concern for everyone. I decided some time ago to move all of my critical equipment to an area where I can still see the road. I use a suction mount for my iPad / radar, a remote control pad near my rear view mirror for my ham radio and my back up satellite radar sits on the dash. I have a hands free setup for the phone, etc. I have a hard time believing chasers still use a laptop placed below the line of vision unless there is a passenger to watch it. I still see solo chasers driving as they look up and down from the laptop to the road. The driver is the driver and should be doing nothing else. I remember years ago Joel and I almost had a fight in Oklahoma when I insisted the driver had to watch the road, not the forming tornado. (I likely did the same thing). I guess the painful "good" out of a tragedy like this is that it might encourage others to change their driving habits. I still have a hard time, after watching the video, understanding how they both missed the stop sign, or the signs leading up to the intersection. If they were traveling north, the storms should have been to their right, in view of the signs.
Mike DeLange
EF0
Agree and initially thought, based on stream audio, it was Yarnell driving. The media's reporting on this has ranged from respectable to an outright abomination. At some point, the facts will be published; until then, support, reflection, thoughts and prayers seem the only viable actions at this time...
