Discovery Channel storm chasers killed

In what is likely to trigger a debate about the ethics of its show, Discovery Channel Storm Chasers stars Carl Young and Tim Samaras, along with Tim’s son Paul Samaras, were among nine people killed in a tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma on Friday.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tim Samaras his son Paul and their colleague Carl Young. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families,” the Discovery Channel said in a statement to E! News. “We will be dedicating our show tonight on the tornadoes to their memory (they aren’t in the show, but that is their legacy). The card will read: In memory of Tim Samaras, Carl Young and Paul Samaras who died Friday, May 31st doing what they love, chasing storms.”

In an interview with National Geographic less than two weeks ago, Tim Samaras described his early fascination with tornadoes. “I watched The Wizard of Oz when I was a kid and vowed to myself, ‘I’m going to see that tornado one day.’ Tornadoes have pretty much become a focus of my life.”

Tim’s brother, Jim, also confirmed the group’s death via Facebook, writing, “They all unfortunately passed away but doing what they loved. Chasing Tornados. I look at it that he is in the ‘big tornado in the sky.'”