Passing of Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young

[Jeff Hawkins]

Just reading this very sad news now, and I, like many, am heartbroken. It's probably already been said in this thread, but for those who don't know, amongst his other endeavors, Tim was one of the coordinators for Chasercon. He, along with Paul were 'right hand men' working with Roger and Caryn Hill to put on this annual event. My condolences go out to the Samaras family, the Hills, and all who knew him personally. Additional condolences for the Young family.

 

[Stan Rose]

Terrible, terrible news. I was just reading about some of Tim's lightning work the other day, fascinating and inspiring stuff. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the families.

 

[John Farley]

Shocked and saddened beyond belief. Seems like yesterday I was visiting with Tim at Chasercon - can't believe that now he, Paul, and Carl are gone. RIP, gentlemen, you were the best!

 

[johnbasham]

I remain silent most days on StormTrack, not because I have no opinion, but because I feel the next-generation of storm-chasers are cutting their teeth and I enjoy watching. That said, Tim was NOT the next-generation storm chaser. In fact I find it hard to describe him as a storm-chaser at all. In the years that I have known him and his work I have always considered him an atmospheric researcher whose lab happens to be storms.

His dedication to safety and "always have a way out" were a mantra that I heard repeated to up and comers who picked his brain endlessly. Frankly, I always knew this day would come and had a "short-list" in my mind of people most likely to be reported as gone. Tim NEVER made that list. Reading his name would be as shocking as having heard Dr. Doswell was taken by a tornado. It is just too hard to imagine.

While I have no idea of the specifics of Tim's passing, As I watched the reaction of TV Mets in OKC covering the storm telling people to "get in their cars and head South" I thought in my heart we were going to lose chasers. I hope that decision was not what caused the passing of these great researchers. But now is not the time for dissection of this tragedy. That will be in the days to come. Now is the time for prayer and support of their families.

It is more important now than ever for the chaser, research, and meteorology community to come together and offer any support these families need. I would hope we hear soon about an account where we can donate to the families. God Bless them all. I am shaken to my core.

 

[Jason Harris]

I didn't know those who are gone, but reading and hearing about Tim Samaras, his son and friend, it's clear the world is poorer for the loss. Tim's story strikes me as almost an ideal: a person inspired by the fictional twister that resonated with so many in the Oz film, becomes a researcher and chaser, offers friendly and helpful tips to others in the community. I hope some good comes out of this. Perhaps that footage that may be recovered will have a final contribution, as well as helping to give some closure.
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"It all started when I was about six years old and saw that fantastic tornado in The Wizard of Oz," Samaras told National Geographic.

Samaras was able to mix his passion with his career as an engineer. He has successfully gathered scientific measurements from inside of tornadoes and holds the world record for measuring the lowest barometric pressure drop (100 millibars) inside of a tornado that destroyed the town of Manchester South Dakota on June 24, 2003.

Samaras has also built a special probe with cameras that are able to look inside of a tornado safely. He successfully captured this in Storm Lake, Iowa on June 11, 2004.

He always reminded friends and fellow chasers to stay safe.

His last Tweet on Friday said, "Dangerous day ahead for OK--stay weather savvy!"

The camera equipment Tim and his time were using at the time of their fatal run-in with the tornado is missing, according to a fellow storm chaser. "The family and overall scientific community would like it recovered to see what happened and what went wrong. If you come across camera equipment in the tornado debris, please let authorities know."

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/new...ahoma-tornado-along-with-son-longtime-partner

 

[cstrunk]

Terrible news to lose all three chasers. I remember Tim's National Geographic article's from years past and was astonished with his first successful probe drop and video back when it happened. He was an inspirational storm chaser.

RIP

 

[Shawn Gossman]

RIP fellow chasers, and may your legacies live on. Sorry to all for this horrific loss.

 

[Sean Ramsey]

I just learned about this and this is shocking beyond belief. My heart is breaking and my thoughts and prayers go out to their families and the storm chasing community. Their work helped many, and will benefit people for generations to come.

 

[chrisbray]

I don't know Tim, his team or his family in any way, but I certainly knew of him. I'm having a hard time accepting this, and I'm sure this is even worse for all of you veterans. I just wanted to post my condolences and respects. Rest in peace.

 

[Blake Naftel]

I am completely saddened, stunned, and dismayed by this terrible news. The loss of Tim, Carl, and Paul has not completely set in for me. Memories from past chases, gatherings, and random encounters while out and about flooded back this morning. In 2004 a group of us, including Tim and Carl, decided to break off from the final day of the Des Moines NWA Doppler Radar conference, and travel overnight to central Oklahoma for the first chase of that season (27-March-04). There was nothing outstanding about the storms that day, a few weak tornadoes here and there, some great early season structure... but it was the camaraderie before and after the chase that really makes the event stand out for me. Tim, Carl, Keith Brown, Tony Laubach, and I all had dinner at a restaurant on the northwest side of OKC.. jokes were told, steak was had, and it was a fun conclusion to a long, successful early season storm trek. I'll sincerely miss moments like that, never to be repeated, but forever living on in memory.

My deepest condolences go out to the Samaras and Young families.

Blake

 

[John Olexa]

Tim , Paul and Carl, You three and your work will never be forgotten. RIP

 

[Seth Price]

I can't believe this.

I met Tim at NIWeek (National Instruments conference), where we established that we both had worked for EMRTC at one point, and had ourselves a good conversation. After his talk, we chatted some more, and he even had me field some of the general chasing questions after the talk. He was one of the friendiest and professional chasers out there, and his work has been an important part of atmospheric research.

My condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace.

 

[Dave Gallaher]

Terrible news. Rest in peace, Tim, Paul and Carl. I got to know Tim when he requested some of my music for one of his chase videos--a very nice, very bright person. Blessings to the families who must endure this.

 

[Charles Bustamante]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Samaras and the Young Family! I remember meeting Tim back in 1993 when he welcomed Bill Reid and I into his home to view some tornado footage. I remember him being gentle and kind. Very sad and
shocking news!!

 

[Marcus Diaz]

Tim and Carl were chasers I've always wanted to meet, and will forever respect in their endeavor's to understand a science that we as humans don't fully understand. Their work in research will forever change people's lives with advanced warnings and understanding of severe weather...and their passing will forever change the way I chase. They were without a doubt some of the best researchers actively chasing. But their legacy will live on for generations to come. RIP Tim, Paul, and Carl...you'll forever be missed but not forgotten.

And maybe something to think about in the future: I'm hoping someone can put up a sort of memorial in El Reno. I would like to pay my respects every time I pass through.