Passing of Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young

[William Monfredo]

I saw Tim and his son at the conference in Denver this year, and always Tim was gracious and informative. It was my belief that he was not going to "tornado" chase this year, his words, and that he was going to do his high-speed lightning photography. How excited he was to take us outside to the truck with the high-speed camera and explain how he had obtained it for a low cost and retrofitted it to his needs. I mirror the thoughts of others here, and am otherwise at a loss for words at the passing of a truly inventive individual.

 

[Brian Barnes]

My condolences to the Samaras and Young families. Tony is also in a lot of emotional pain right now, he was part of the Twistex team and these were his chase partners. They are all in my thoughts this morning. I have to say that Tim was one of the nicest, friendliest and most brilliant guys I have ever met, I'm thankful I had the opportunity to know him. I am shocked beyond belief as many of you are as well.

 

[Bob Schafer]

I met Tim one evening at a little motel out in the boonies after a long chase day. I don't believe he knew who I was, and he was probably tired and anxious to get some post-chase work done. Despite this, I was treated like a longtime friend. As nice a guy as I have ever met. My deepest condolences to the familis and friends of all three.

 

[James Siler]

I never met Tim but have always wanted to. I crossed paths with him last year but didn't stop cause it wasn't appropriate at the time. I said a simple hello and smile and he returned the gesture and I went on. I always have liked the way he conducts his self as a chaser and hope to emulate some small part of it. My condolences are with the Samaras and Young's families.

 

[Timothy Finn]

My sincerest sympathies to the Samaras and Young families. It is without a doubt, a great blow to the storm chasing community that we have lost these distinguished gentlemen.

Personally, I'm really at a loss for words right now.

Tim

 

[Jason Clark]

May flights of Mesos sing thee to thy rest.

 

[Jason Tunzer]

At a loss for words right now. I just happened to see Tim and Carl last weekend as I had to stop to check data at the same hotel in KS they stayed at the night before. Thoughts and prayers sent out to both families. May they Rest In Peace.

 

[amytierney]

I am deeply saddened by this. I know some of you probably knew him personally and he was a great man. You could see that he was not a person to lose himself due to fame. I respected him for that and was a fan of his because of it. He would take time to explain things so that someone like me who knows hardly anything could understand and grasp the information. This is truly a great tragedy and loss to the world, not just the chasing community. Prayers and Condolences to the families!

 

[Richard Vorhies]

My heart goes out to both the Samaras and Young families. I met Tim at a weather workshop after he gave a lecture where he taught chasers about safety and his research. He will be missed as well as Curt and Paul. RIP guys and thanks for the memories.......

 

[Tom Stefanac]

I can't believe this is true, I had the opportunity to meet Tim briefly in 2010, brilliant could not describe what he was doing.

My deepest condolences to the Samaras and Young families. Their work will truly live on.

 

[Andrew Booth]

Haven't posted in a long time, had to come here because I couldn't believe it was true. It still doesn't seem real.

My heart goes out to the friends and family of all those involved. I'm at a loss for words, truly heartbreaking.

 

[Keith Wilson]

I can't come up with the words to describe how I felt when I heard this news, but I am stunned and deeply saddened. The storm research and chasing communities will miss them as they were close and dear friends to many.
Most of all, my thoughts prayers and condolences go out to the families of Tim, Paul, and Carl.
Rest assured that while we are meeting under the meso that they will be with us and watching from over the meso.

 

[Mike Moore]

I also met Tim for the first time back in 2010. He was so very nice, and as those who are close to him know, he was so very passionate about what he was doing. I only ran into him once more after that, but I always followed his work.

I concur that brilliant doesn't cover it.

His work has made a huge difference, and it will continue to make a difference in the years to come.

 

[ShawnS]

Im in shock...

RIP Tim Samaras. You will be missed dearly...

 

[Becca Lostutter]

I am not much of a poster, but I read regularly. I was shocked and sad to hear the news. I have followed tornadoes and storm chasing since the F-5 of Xenia, and my father, a news photographer was the first on scene in Xenia's aftermath as he was only a couple miles away as it went through. After walking the streets of Xenia, I spent my free time following and learning about tornados. I follow a few great chasers, and Tim Samaras was one of them. For over 15 years I have read his writings and watched his travels. I feel a great loss to your chasing community as you lost a fellow chaser, friend and teacher. I will miss the adventures of Tim, his son and Carl. God bless them and their families. I hope that Tim and his team meet up with Andy in the clouds above..and I will remember them always.