The driver/meteorologist was found unresponsive on Tuesday reportedly after consuming controlled substances while on board a cruise ship.
- January 25, 2018
AceShowbiz -
Joel Taylor, the star of Discovery Channel's "Storm Chaser", has passed away. According to his friends who shared the sad news on social media, the Elk City, Oklahoma native died on Tuesday, January 23. He was 38.
The cause of death remains unclear, but TMZ reports that he died from a suspected overdose on a cruise ship. Law enforcement sources tell the site, "It appears the death could be an overdose and Joel Taylor was consuming controlled substances."
A fellow passenger on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Harmony of the Seas says that "Joel had consumed enough GHB on the dance floor Tuesday that he was rendered unconscious and taken off the dance floor by two people and back to his room."
Other passengers say drugs on the party boat were plentiful. Ecstasy and cocaine were among the drugs found on the boat and passengers posted on social media that several people were arrested at the Ft. Lauderdale port, where the boat departed, for possession of drugs.
A rep for the boat says Joel was found unresponsive in his cabin Tuesday and law enforcement was alerted when the boat arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Following his sudden passing, his friends paid tribute to Joel on social media. Joel's best friend and former co-star Reed Timmer tweeted along with several photos of the pair, "RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor. I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend. We chased so many intense storms, and I wish we could have just one more storm chase. I'll miss you forever, Joel. We lost a legend."
RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor. I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend. We chased so many intense storms, and I wish we could have just one more storm chase. I'll miss you forever, Joel. We lost a legend pic.twitter.com/htN45t8wik
— Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) January 24, 2018
Mike Olbinski posted a photo of Joel at a wedding. "I was lucky enough to meet Joel a few years ago at Reed's wedding. He was so kind to me and we got to hang out for a bit during those few days," he wrote. "I snapped this photo of him and that just seemed like who he was. A huge smile. RIP Joel Taylor...you will be so missed."
I was lucky enough to meet Joel a few years ago at Reed’s wedding. He was so kind to me and we got to hang out for a bit during those few days. I snapped this photo of him and that just seemed like who he was. A huge smile. RIP Joel Taylor…you will be so missed. pic.twitter.com/mZI5eHzhKG
— Mike Olbinski (@MikeOlbinski) January 24, 2018
Joel's storm chasing team expressed their condolences on Facebook post. "Our community of Elk City and the Storm Chasing community lost a great guy today. Joel Taylor was truly an inspiration to myself and many who knew him. He was one of the most level headed chasers on the roads and truly a classy guy outside of chasing," read the statement.
"He didn't chase for the glory he chased because he had a true passion for storms. In the last few years he'd load up with his dad and go chase and not even take a camera," the group said. "Our hearts are hurting for his mom Tracy and dad Jimmy along with his brother and sister and their children. Please know you are in our prayers. RIP Joel."
