Passing of Tim Samaras, Paul Samaras, and Carl Young

[DWest]

I didn't personally have the privilege of knowing any of these three amazing researchers, but I think even the layperson such as myself can appreciate their contributions to science in advancing our knowledge of storms. What they accomplished over their lifetimes will no doubt help to save the lives of many in the future from the advances in warning technology that will inevitably come about from their sacrifice.

My sincerest condolences to the families - their loss is a reminder that the risks taken by those in this community are very real and that even the most safety oriented chasers are putting their lives on the line every time they chase a storm. Rest in peace Tim, Paul, and Carl.

 

[Jeff Hawkins]

KOCO news report from this morning:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDxvL0bs5nE

 

[James Gustina]

Thoughts and condolences with/to both the Samaras and Young families. I never could have imagined this happening to what I consider some of the best chasers to ever ride the Plains. Their contributions to not only science but how we chase will live on for a very long time and they serve still as the bar for how to chase.

 

[Donnie Beasley]

No words can take away the pain of such a devastating loss. My mother worries about me every time I chase, but she always says that if something were to happen she knows I went doing what I love and am so passionate about. That's the only solace I can take from this tragedy. RIP guys. You will be missed.

 

[David Biggar]

Such sad news...I never met Tim personally, but I hoped to meet him some time in the field. I felt honored to be passed by Tim and Carl 2 weeks ago while chasing. I'm very thankful for his contribution to the research of severe weather.

My condolences to the Samaras family as well as the Young family.

 

[Chris Mitchell]

This is overwhelmingly tragic, I have never had the honor to meet Tim, Paul or Carl. However, after reading Tim's book, watching documentaries and the show "Storm Chasers", it was quite clear to see that these guys were very brilliant and respected. What they did out there was groundbreaking and inspirational. Their dedication and hard work will not be in vain. They are Heroes and shall Rest in Peace and Never be forgotten! My thoughts and prayers go to their Families, Friends and Loved Ones!

 

[James@LAS]

As others said, words cannot express how tragic and saddening this news is. I would have never though this would happen in a hundred years; especially to them

I had the pleasure of meeting Tim at a HAMFest in Indiana last year. He was by far the most respected, knowledgeable and kindest "chaser" I've ever met.
His passion, dedication and contributions for science, lighting photography and storm data were priceless and will never be forgotten.

RIP Tim, Carl and Paul.

 

[StephenHenry]

This news has hit me so hard, despite not knowing them personally. Their calm, caution, and professionalism was both inspirational and influential to me over the years. Cannot comprehend that this has happened.

 

[Brandon Clement]

Extraordinarily sad news. I was lucky enough to meet Tim on a couple occasions and he was so nice, intelligent and humble. He never let the fame or television appearances get to his head and of all the chasers to get hit it is hard to grasp he was one of them. I don't know where he was but a lot of chasers got caught in this storm, including myself. I know for me and a handful of others we got caught because a State Trooper actively blocked our south exit route on Hwy 81 to the point that we still tried to get around him but the cop would drive forward and backwards to block us from dropping south. This left us with dirt roads heading east with a tornado coming right at us from the SE. I really hope these guys didn't lose their life because of this.

R.I.P
Such a huge loss to the families, weather enthusiasts and storm chasers everywhere.

 

[Jeff Wright]

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.

This deserves to be discussed. With all the controversy of folks issuing their own warnings--Schmidlin saying that cars are better than mobile homes, etc. I am actually surprised this hasn't happened sooner. I hope I don't hear reporters blaming this on a chaser convergence when it may have been some radio rip-and-reader that spooked people. Troopers also must understand that impeding flow also can result in a mass casualty event. Blocking roads may actually lead to less safe conditions.

I wonder if the scene was that far from where the Weather Channel vehicle was flipped.

Widely separated vortices around a common point can cause confusion as to the direction of travel overall. There it is best to have a driver who never looks at vortices, but up at the overall cloud base, trying to ignore any distraction if possible. All the Weather Channel vehicle looked to have needed to do was to have stopped short--but hindsight is 20/20.

The jog to the Southeast from Northwest is the second most likely direction of movement of tornadoes after all--it doesn't have to be Grand Island either. Now I do remember one dog-leg track that looked to travel right down a road. Could that have been the location? It might be useful to show a map high-lighted where Tim's vehicle was found--sorry to sound cold

He always struck me as a very responsible man.

To me, this is one more reason that UAV/drones need to be pushed for, with cars being a bit more distant. Some MOGOL type balloon chains may also be useful in some wise here.

I seem to remember a passive milimetric wave **camera** that was to look thru fog--and was once rumored to see circulation from a helicopter some time ago. I wonder if that might allow hidden air currents to be more visible...

If nothing else, this and the flipped Weather Channel vehicle point to a need for roll cages. That might have made all the difference.

 

[Charles Kuster]

Very sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Samaras and Young families.

 

[Warren Faidley]

I have a couple of emails that Tim and I exchanged other the years, mostly about Stormchasers. It was my hope he could have altered the message of the show. Maybe his passing will have a positive effect on the recent issues. Not sure when I'll ever go back and look over the emails.

He was always level headed and a true professional. I'm sure something terribly wrong must have occurred, beyond his control.

It will be interesting to see where this goes. We can learn from it or forget it.

One thing for sure. I'll never chase potential violent days near OKC ever again. I might hold back and respond as an EMT, but after the nightmare on highway 81 south of El Reno my team experienced, it's a death trap.

Warren

 

[Steve LaBelle]

I did not personally know them but it still saddens me as a person, as a chaser, and as a major supporter of people who put themselves in the path of danger in order to better other people's lives. What they did as scientists out in the field is not unlike what first responders, fire, police and military personnel do and should not be forgotten.

RIP fellas.

Steve

 

[Greg Campbell]

Oh, hell.

Of all the chasers, I'd never guess Tim would be the one to get run over. I barely knew the guy, but he made an strong impression as a quiet, compentent, outstandingly decent person. I can only hope his wife and surviving family emerge from the ordeal in a reasonably healthy state. After all the years of creeping anxiety, for this to finally happen... I can't imagine the emotions she must be going through.

I know for me and a handful of others we got caught because a State Trooper actively blocked our south exit route on Hwy 81 to the point that we still tried to get around him but the cop would drive forward and backwards to block us from dropping south. This left us with dirt roads heading east with a tornado coming right at us from the SE. I really hope these guys didn't lose their life because of this.

I have a sinking feeling that this is going to become a significant news and political issue over the coming weeks. Chasers and Cops have often antagonized one another; this event could (probably will) catalyze an ugly outbreak of finger pointing from both factions. I can only hope both communities, as well as the media (Yea, I should know better ), make an effort to see more than 'Thrill Seeking Fools' vs. 'Control Freaking' cops. After the media circus and mutaul blaming pass, both parties must be wiling to sit down and talk with the other guys. The cynic within looks at the way many people 'communicate' with one another and wonders if this sort of calm, mutually respectful discussion is even possible anymore.

 

[Bob Schafer]

RIP, Tim, Carl, and Paul

P.S. If I'm permitted to be at services, I will be there. You all may want to begin thinking about that, too.