Three storm chasers were killed in a car crash Tuesday while pursuing a tornado in Spur, Texas.
Authorities said the accident itself was not caused by severe weather.
According to CBS Dallas, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers said the storm chasers were driving toward a tornado and ran a stop sign.
“A black suburban was traveling north on FM 1081, when it disregarded a stop sign and collided with a jeep traveling west bound on FM 2794,” DPS Sgt. John Gonzalez told the news station.
Gonzalez said all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
CBS Dallas reported there were two drivers and one passenger in the two vehicles.
Authorities identified the driver of the Suburban as Kelley Gene Williamson, 57, of Cassville, Mo. The Suburban's passenger was Randall Delane Yarnall, 55, also of Cassville.
The Jeep's driver has been identified as Corbin Lee Jaeger, 25, of Peoria, Arizona.
According to authorities, Williamson was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected. Yarnall and Jaeger were wearing their seat belts.
Williamson and Yarnall were contractors for the Weather Channel, station officials said in a statement.
The two "were beloved members of the weather community. We are saddened by this loss and our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of all involved," officials with the Weather Channel said.
Lt. Bryan Witt of the DPS said the three were chasing a tornado in Dickens County, Texas.
There was a confirmed tornado reported about the same time, according to CNN Weather.
Spur is nearly 70 miles east of Lubbock, Texas.
About the Author
