Discovery Channel storm chaser Joel Taylor has died aged 38 from a suspected drug overdose after partying on board a cruise ship, it was revealed today.
So far, there is no word on Taylor’s official cause of death, but TMZ reported on Wednesday afternoon that according to law enforcement sources, Taylor had been taking controlled substances, which may have led to his death.
Taylor was found unresponsive in his cabin on board the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Harmony of the Seas on Tuesday, after the ship docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
A person claiming to have been a passenger on the boat told TMZ that illegal narcotics were in ample supply on the cruise, including Ecstasy and cocaine, and that Taylor was allegedly among those indulging in those substances.
Joel Taylor (pictured) the star of the Discovery Channel series Storm Chasers has passed away at the age of 38, reportedly from a suspected drug overdose
Taylor was sailing to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on board Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas (pictured) when he passed away, possibly after ingesting a large quantity of GHB
The passenger claimed that the 38-year-old Discovery Channel reality star had ingested so much of the addictive narcolepsy medication GHB – often referred to as club drug or date rape drug – that he passed out on the dance floor and had to be carried back to his cabin by two other people.
Devastated friends and fans have paid tribute to the much-loved Storm Chaser star. His co-star Reed Timmer, who followed tornadoes with him across America, announced the shocking news on Twitter this morning.
He uploaded photographs of Taylor and wrote: ‘RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor.
‘I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend.
Taylor’s (above) co-star Reed Timmer (pictured together with him right) revealed the devastating news on Twitter on Wednesday morning
‘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.’
Heartbroken fans also reacted to the news of his passing and thanked the pair for inspiring them to study the weather.
Riley Carlton tweeted: ‘I grew up watching Joel Taylor and Reed Timmer on Discovery, they are a major reason I want to study meteorology.
‘It hurts my heart that Joel passed away.’
Team Western OK Chaser, a group based in Oklahoma, wrote on Facebook: ‘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.
Timmer uploaded this photograph on Twitter and said he ‘wished they could have one more storm chase’ together
Heartbroken fans also reacted to the news of his passing and thanked him for inspiring them to study the weather
‘He was one of the most level headed chasers on the roads and truly a classy guy outside of chasing.
‘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.
‘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.’
It is unclear how Mr Taylor died. It’s not believed he was chasing a storm at the time
Storm Chasers first aired on 2007 and follows a team who attempt to intercept tornadoes in America’s Tornado Alley
A later post said his death was not related to chasing storms.
It read: ‘ Many people have asked how Joel passed away. For the sake of no false information and repeated reply’s to the question. This is my reply. There is no answer at this time. The medical professionals are trying to determine the cause.’
Mr Taylor’s last Facebook post on 15 January gave no sign of any health problems. He wrote: ‘My first niece arrived this morning!’
Mr Taylor met Mr Timmer while studying meteorology after he became fascinated by severe storms and tornadoes.
Storm Chasers was first aired on 2007 and follows a team who attempt to intercept tornadoes in America’s Tornado Alley.
Taylor (left) met Timmer (right) while studying meteorology after he became fascinated by severe storms and tornadoes