Deleted member 2911
No words for this, Rest in Peace
Passing of Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young
- Thread starter Scott Weberpal
- Start date
Terry L. Schenk
EF0
If you have not had the opportunity, read Tim Samaras’ book titled, Tornado Hunter: Getting Inside the Most Violent Storms on Earth. You will find that Tim, like many of us who chase, developed a passion for weather early in his life, and, again like many of us, was influenced by the tornado in the Wizard of Oz. A few lines from the introduction speak to his passion:
After seeing a documentary that included segments with Howie Bluestein and Louis Wicker, Tim said, “These scientists turned my flame of passion for the weather into a raging bonfire of obsession. Their work showed me that there were indeed scientists actively pursuing research on tornadoes and thunderstorms, and as soon as I could, I became a chaser.”
I’ve never been satisfied with accepting things the way they are, as there is always room for improvement. I’ve never let anyone tell me that “it can’t be done” or that “it’s impossible to measure.” When people do, it only inspires me to try harder.”
Many will remember Tim’s presentation on lightning photography (and the high speed camera he used to capture it) at one of the Storm Chaser Conferences he co-sponsored each year. That too spoke to his devotion to helping make things safer for everyone.
National Geographic has posted an interview they conducted with Tim late last month.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/...storm-chaser-tornadoes-last-interview-weather
Tim, his son Paul, and Carl will be missed by all of us. They were just great guys and our thoughts and prayers go out to their families.
After seeing a documentary that included segments with Howie Bluestein and Louis Wicker, Tim said, “These scientists turned my flame of passion for the weather into a raging bonfire of obsession. Their work showed me that there were indeed scientists actively pursuing research on tornadoes and thunderstorms, and as soon as I could, I became a chaser.”
I’ve never been satisfied with accepting things the way they are, as there is always room for improvement. I’ve never let anyone tell me that “it can’t be done” or that “it’s impossible to measure.” When people do, it only inspires me to try harder.”
Many will remember Tim’s presentation on lightning photography (and the high speed camera he used to capture it) at one of the Storm Chaser Conferences he co-sponsored each year. That too spoke to his devotion to helping make things safer for everyone.
National Geographic has posted an interview they conducted with Tim late last month.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/...storm-chaser-tornadoes-last-interview-weather
Tim, his son Paul, and Carl will be missed by all of us. They were just great guys and our thoughts and prayers go out to their families.
Last edited by a moderator:
ShawnKrull
Ditto. I had only seen Tim in person during a presentation at our local weather symposium and he quickly became one of my favorite chasers. Then after watching him star on Discovery, he did become my favorite. RIP and prayers for all of their families, friends, and fellow chasers that knew them all.
weskranz
EF0
Very shocking & very sad. Tonight the Discovery Channel is dedicating their Oklahoma tornado special in their memory....
Chance Metz
EF2
Sad and dark times for chasers, and Mets alike. RIP to Paul and Tim Samaras and Chris Young. This goes to shows that we still have lots to learn about tornadoes and hopefully this can be used to help save lives in the future.
Jason Persoff
EF3
I mourn the loss of free kindred spirits and feel for their families. Tim, Carl, and Paul--you are on the winds of the sky--safe journey, my friends. You live in on in all of us...
Wes Carter
EF5
My condolences to both families and to those of you who knew them personally.
David Hoadley
Stormtrack founder
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2006
- Messages
- 120
We have lost a member of the family. For those who did not know him, Tim Samaras was one of the *good guys.*
To me, he was a bundle of energy and enthusiasm in designing and placing data pods in the paths of tornadoes and in pioneering research on the high-speed photography of lightning. His discoveries have opened doors to a deeper understanding of the natural realm. Talk with him just five minutes, and you knew this was not “work” to him --it was life to him.
This is also a benchmark in the history of storm chasing. One of its giants has given his life in that pursuit. In the weeks and months to come, this moment will be discussed many times and, possibly, to our eventual benefit (one can hope).
I am just starting to get my mind around the idea that I will never see him or hear his voice again. So sad too that his son, Paul, and friend Carl Young shared that fate. I was not privileged to know either of these gentlemen, but if they were in Tim’s back yard, that is indeed my additional loss.
Words are a poor tool for expression at a time like this. I just ended a long drive back home, early this morning, from last week’s chase and saw the news. I now have mixed feelings about the wedge seen from US81, south of El Reno. My first thought was to go looking for old photos, as if to find him and resist letting him go. I found one from the 2011 Storm Chaser Convention in Denver, that my daughter took. It includes Jeff Piotrowski, myself and Tim at a merry moment --all laughing. It is now one of my prized possessions.
Farewell, my good and true friend. You will be long remembered.
- - - David Hoadley
To me, he was a bundle of energy and enthusiasm in designing and placing data pods in the paths of tornadoes and in pioneering research on the high-speed photography of lightning. His discoveries have opened doors to a deeper understanding of the natural realm. Talk with him just five minutes, and you knew this was not “work” to him --it was life to him.
This is also a benchmark in the history of storm chasing. One of its giants has given his life in that pursuit. In the weeks and months to come, this moment will be discussed many times and, possibly, to our eventual benefit (one can hope).
I am just starting to get my mind around the idea that I will never see him or hear his voice again. So sad too that his son, Paul, and friend Carl Young shared that fate. I was not privileged to know either of these gentlemen, but if they were in Tim’s back yard, that is indeed my additional loss.
Words are a poor tool for expression at a time like this. I just ended a long drive back home, early this morning, from last week’s chase and saw the news. I now have mixed feelings about the wedge seen from US81, south of El Reno. My first thought was to go looking for old photos, as if to find him and resist letting him go. I found one from the 2011 Storm Chaser Convention in Denver, that my daughter took. It includes Jeff Piotrowski, myself and Tim at a merry moment --all laughing. It is now one of my prized possessions.
Farewell, my good and true friend. You will be long remembered.
- - - David Hoadley
Last edited by a moderator:
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2009
- Messages
- 77
Tim spoke several times at my university. His talks always focused on his research first, storms second. He was always gracious and humble to the students. What a tragic loss.
Chris Sokol
EF5
Still trying to wrap my mind around this. I can't even begin to put into words how I feel. My thoughts and prayers are with their families tonight. The evening sky has lost 3 of it's brightest stars.
Chris
Chris
Rob Gardner
EF0
I never met the 3. It`s ironic when watching "storm chasers", I often thought to my self, why does he have probes he is always too concerned with the risk to chase and sometimes won`t even at least get in the area to "see" what happens. Tim was not just on my list of people I never thought this would happen to, he was last on my list. He also truly showed a passion for science(rather than just a chance to profit), and lived and ultimately passed for his passion. I will genuinely be praying for the families tonight.
joel ewing
EF5
I met Tim on 6-9-05 at Norton, Kansas....just prior to a mini-outbreak near Hill City, Kansas, and would nod hello and trade emails once in a while since then. He was a class act, and a guy who truly was all about advancing science. My heart breaks for his wife and surviving family. How does one ever really recover from a blow like this? Thoughts and prayers have been offered, as that's all I have to offer. Rest peacefully.
Hannah.Taylor
EF4
Condolences to the friends and family of Tim and Paul Samaras and Carl Young. Loved watching Tim and Carl on Storm Chasers, and I have the utmost respect for the work they did. They died doing what they loved best and what they were passionate about. Let us not mourn, instead let us celebrate their lives and honor them for their accomplishments and their contributions to not only science and weather research, but for the joy, the friendship, and the inspiration they brought to the lives of others by doing what they did.
RIP Tim, Paul and Carl.
RIP Tim, Paul and Carl.
Carey Walton
EF0
Such very sad news. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends. They will be missed, Rest in Peace.
Cindy Rose
I had never met Carl Young but I had the pleasure of sharing a breakfast table with Tim Samaras, Jim Leonard, Cheryl Chang, Bill Reid and Brian and Nancy Morganti (if I have left anyone out I apologize--it was early in the morning) in Shamrock. I remember Tim being quiet and humble (maybe a little bit grumpy until his coffee arrived) with a ready smile. I was awestruck just sitting with these people. Tim's dedication to the science was an inspiration and his contributions have greatly advanced supercell meteorology. I still can't believe what happened--the community has been so lucky all of these years of wild rides in dusty inflow winds, through RFDs and caroming debris, being stuck in the mud under mesos, under giant hail and incandescent lightning. Please chasers, be extra careful out there and remember Tim, Paul and Carl by being as safe as you can. We want you to come home exhausted, happy and alive.
Similar threads
