Passing of Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young

[Scott Weberpal]

It is with a heavy heart that I am passing along the news that Tim Samaras, his son Paul, and Carl Young passed away on Friday while chasing the El Reno, OK storm.

There are few details at this time, and this post will be updated when more details come forth.

Rest in peace.

 

[Tom Tackett]

Thanks Scott for the update and for letting us know. Huge loss for both families and all associated with Tim, Paul, & Carl.

 

[Tim Gunn]

I am shocked to hear the news.
My heart goes out to the Family of Tim, Paul and Carl.

 

[Daniel Barker]

Tim was great smart, humble very nice guy, I miss him, enjoyed chasing with him and all his help.

 

[John Wetter]

At a loss to even put words to this. My thoughts are with the families.

 

[Caleb Chevalier]

I was fortunate enough to shake hands with Tim and talk to him at a severe weather workshop last year. Such a brilliant mind in atmospheric science, as were his companions.
It's hard for me to wrap my mind around this, especially because I know the crew stressed safety and responsibility. My deepest condolences to the families.

 

[Joey Ketcham]

I'm hoping and holding onto that hope that this isn't true. So far Tony Laubach has stated that he has no confirmation on whether this is true or not, and read that a reporter for a TV station in Denver contacted the Sheriff's Dept that oversees El Reno and they have no knowledge of this being true. I'm just hoping that what's being reported isn't true.

 

[Greg Flint]

If anyone knows of the fund/foundation the Samaras/Young families would like donations sent to in lieu of flowers, please post the link. So sad indeed.

 

[K Johnson]

Jim - Tims' brother - has posted this on Tims' facebook page :

Hello everyone,
I'm Jim Samaras - Tim Samaras's brother. Thank you to everyone for the condolences. It truly is sad that we lost my great brother Tim and his great son, Paul. Our hearts also go out to the Carl Young family as well as they are feeling the same feelings we are today. They all unfortunately passed away but doing what they LOVED. Chasing Tornado's. I look at it that he is in the 'big tornado in the sky...' We (the family) will keep folks aware of what the funeral estrangements are, but please in the meantime keep Tim and Paul in your thoughts and prayers.
Jim

 

[Rob H]

I can't believe it finally happened, and I can't believe it was Tim, Paul, and Carl. This is just horrible beyond words.

 

[Sean Mullen]

Oh, dear God. What a terrible thing to wake up to.

I remember seeing Tim talking to someone at one of the Denver conventions, and without going into the whole conversation, I just remember how gracious Tim was; saying something like "yeah, that sounds like it was amazing to see" instead of "Oh yeah, I've seen that a bunch of times..."

And the time the power failed at the convention, and Tim ran a cable out to his truck so he could continue his presentation.

My condolences to their families, and peace to their many friends here who are feeling the sharp pain of loss.

Thanks Tim.......

 

[Joey Ketcham]

My heart is breaking, I held onto hope, but when I saw that Tim's brother confirmed it, my heart broke knowing what was once rumors was now the truth. Tim was such a great guy, I've been fortunate enough to have cross paths with Tim during storm chases and after storm chasers when we stayed at the same motel. Tim was such a humble, down to earth guy who had a passion for storm chasing that as second to none. RIP Tim Samaras!

 

[Jeff Duda]

I have been sick to my stomach since I first heard this. Un-f***ing-real. Of all the people it could've happened to, why them? I'm so sad about this.

I had drinks with Tim on more than one occasion.
I threw rocks into empty dirt fields with Paul waiting for initiation. Paul was a great photographer and had his whole life still ahead of them.
Carl loved eating eggs at breakfast, but he only ate the whites.

All three, gone way too soon. They will be dearly missed.

 

[Jason Haller]

I never had the chance to meet Tim and his crew but I wish I could have. I am sick right now hearing this. Lord please watch over the Samaras and Young families.

 

[Scott Taylor]

I've read this numerous times this morning and still can't believe it, though I fear it must be true. Very shocked and saddened by this news. At a loss for words - will keep the Samaras and Young families in my prayers often.