Three Storm Chasers Killed In Texas

Three storm chasers were killed on Tuesday in a two-car collision in Spur, Texas, a town east of Lubbock.

"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," said Sergeant John Gonzalez, an officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The three men were identified as Kelley Williamson, 57, Randy Yarnall, 55, and Corbin Jaege, 25. They were all pronounced dead at the scene. Williamson and Yarnall were contractors for The Weather Channel.

The Weather Channel released a statement on Williamson and Yarnall, who were featured in a two-part show called “Storm Wranglers” last year:

“This afternoon we learned that three people died in a car accident in Texas, including two contractors for the Weather Channel, Kelley Williamson and Randy Yarnall. Kelley and Randy 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.”

"We would encourage anyone driving down these remote roads to slow down and pay attention to traffic signs especially in inclement weather. It can become dangerous for all involved," Gonzalez said.

DPS officials said that inclement weather was not a direct cause of the collision, but confirmed that the men were rushing toward a tornado.

The three men were mourned online by fellow weather enthusiasts:

Image: From left, Corbin Lee Jaeger, Randy Yarnall and Kelley Williamson (Facebook, The Weather Channel)