Stormchasers were killed in Oklahoma event

[brunota2003]

I just read that we lost chasers during the event on Friday, and if the reports are true, they aren't just random people, either.

If true, it's a big blow to the chaser and research community. Just...wow.

RIP, and I hope they aren't true.

[SaskatchewanScreamer]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7U9jyz65mA[/youtube]

[Texas Snowman]

I just read that we lost chasers during the event on Friday, and if the reports are true, they aren't just random people, either.

If true, it's a big blow to the chaser and research community. Just...wow.

RIP, and I hope they aren't true.

Really sad if true. If it is who I think it is, these guys were very well respected from everything I know. Real researchers, not just camera toting thrill seekers.

[EF-5bigj]

Sad to hear I hope it's not true though

[Infdidoll]

Oh my gosh...What a horrific loss to the storm-chasing community:
http://www.theweatherspace.com/2013/06/ ... ma-tornad/

[apocalypt-flyer]

Dreadful loss to the entire meteorology community. Maybe a mod could split this into a separate thread.

[artist]

I would hate to find out they were in a hosptial and their deaths have been reported. Everything I have read is all speculation as they have not heard from them. SUrely, if it's true official word will come out soon. Let's pray not.

[cycloneye]

I split the posts about this tragic news to make this new thread.My prayers go to the families of them.

[cycloneye]

[artist]

Just confirmed by CNN, heard via KOCO in OK

[artist]

may they rest in peace. Prayers to the families and friends.

[vbhoutex]

I am in TOTAL SHOCK!! I was praying fervently last night that the news was not true. Unfortunately, even the BEST in the business can't always be sure what Mother Nature is going to throw at them. Tim Samaras was not just a "chaser", he was truly a scientist, among other things. In the other thread that this was split from I posted a link to an explanation of what probably happened from Mike Smith, a well known met based in Wichita. RIP Tim, Paul and Carl! Prayers up for the families.

[RL3AO]

One of the most important researchers in the field. If he can get killed by a tornado, then anyone can. He was not a reckless person.

[vbhoutex]

One of the most important researchers in the field. If he can get killed by a tornado, then anyone can. He was not a reckless person.

Exactly!! Tim knew the risks, but he always measured the risks before he acted. He would NEVER have put even himself in a stupid position of danger. A tragic loss to the scientific and chaser community as to the weather community at large.

[RL3AO]

Sounds like it was such a big mesocyclone that the tornado was rotating around that it caught even the most veteran of chasers by surprise.

[WeatherGuesser]

This is a point I've been trying to make all along. This is not something for tourists. This is not a spectator sport or theme park.

Aside from the injuries and fatalities, let's not forget there were other incidents where the supposedly armored and specially designed vehicles suffered damage.

[CrazyC83]

It just shows that these forces of nature can put even the most professional chasers at risk. RIP to all of them...and lots of prayers.

[CrazyC83]

Another thing to wonder: were amateur thrill seekers/newbie chasers also among the fatalities? I know 3 of them have not been disclosed (there was a mother and child, plus another child). Not only that, how many of them were injured?

This will forever change storm chasing.

[EF-5bigj]

R.I.P this is still incredibly shocking I was not expecting to hear they died

[northjaxpro]

This is such a tragedy and a huge loss to the meteorology community. My deepest prayers and condolences go out to the families of the victims!