Joel Taylor, a star of The Discovery Channel series Storm Chasers, was found dead on Tuesday (23 January). He was 38-years-old.
The meteorologist was on the Royal Caribbean ship Harmony of the Seas. Atlantis Events, calling itself the world’s largest producer of all-gay cruises and resort vacations, rented out the ship.
TMZ reports he died of a suspected drug overdose. Another passenger said he passed out on the dance floor. Two people took him back to his room before his death.
No official cause of death has been announced and autopsy reports are pending.
‘We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the 38-year-old male guest from the United States who died while onboard Harmony of the Seas,’ the cruise line told Us Magazine.
‘As is our standard procedure, law enforcement was notified and responded to the ship when it arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday, January 23. A member of our Care Team is providing support and assistance to his family.’
Discovery also released a statement: ‘We are so saddened to hear about Joel’s passing. We will always remember him fondly as an incredible meteorologist and driver of ‘The Dominator.’ Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.’
Remembering Taylor
His old co-worker first revealed the news on Twitter.
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
Storm Chasers was a reality show on Discovery that ran from 2007 to 2012. It followed a team of storm chasers intercepting tornadoes in the United States.
Others reacted to his death on Twitter.
What?!? @jctsooner died today! So sad to hear this news. That's it… I'm watching Discovery's Storm Chasers Season 1 in honor of Joel Taylor! Man… my heart goes out to Joel's family and friends. Anyone know the cause of death?
— Dan Skoff (@weatherdan) January 24, 2018
I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Joel Taylor. My heart goes out to his parents. Long before his Discovery fame, Joel and his parents accompanied us on a trip to Hawaii while we taped our show Atmosphere’s. His passion for tornadoes was infectioushttps://t.co/tXUiUF5aUo
— Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) January 24, 2018
SpotterNetwork tribute for the great storm chaser Joel Taylor centered on his "backyard" in western OK. Joel knew every single back road in that region so we were always excited when we would get the opportunity to chase there. Thank you storm chasing community pic.twitter.com/Zk1bWVUdIo
— Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) January 24, 2018
The weather world is a little darker tonight. #RIP Joel Taylor. pic.twitter.com/506UrSnIr1
— RobertHahnKY3 (@RobertHahnKY3) January 24, 2018