‘Storm Chasers’ Star Joel Taylor Reportedly Died From GHB Drug Overdose

Storm Chasers star Joel Taylor died at 38 years old on Jan. 23 from an apparent drug overdose, law enforcement officials told TMZ. The club drug GHB was reportedly the used by Taylor on the night he died. 

His friend and co-star Reed Timmer announced the news via Twitter on Jan. 23.

“I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend,” Timmer tweeted. “We chased so many intense storms, and I wish we could have just one more storm chase. I’ll miss you forever, Joel.”

Us Weekly confirmed that Taylor died while on a Harmony of the Seas cruise ship.

Taylor starred on Storm Chasers from 2007-2010, according to IMDb. The show has lost other stars to storm-related deaths — Tim Samaras, his son Paul and Carl Young all died while chasing an Oklahoma tornado in 2013.

Spotter Network tweeted its condolences to Taylor’s on Jan 24.

“It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Joel Taylor,” the network tweeted. “Our thoughts are with Joel’s family and friends. In remembrance of Joel, we will be lighting up western Oklahoma with his initials. Please join us as we remember Joel.”

The network also created a tribute to Taylor by plotting coordinates for his initials on a map of western Oklahoma.