Discovery Channel storm chaser Joel Taylor dies on cruise at 38

John Bacon | USA TODAY

Joel Taylor, who starred in the popular Discovery Channel reality series Storm Chasers, has died at age 38, friends announced Tuesday. A Royal Caribean Cruises spokesperson confirmed that Taylor died while aboard a cruise ship.

"We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the 38-year-old male guest from the United States who died while onboard Harmony of the Seas," spokesperson Owen Torres said in a statement shared with USA TODAY Thursday, adding that "a law enforcement was notified and responded to the ship when it arrived" in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Tuesday.

The owner of the Martin-Dugger funeral home from Elk City, Okla., Taylor's hometown, sent this statement to USA TODAY on behalf of the Taylor family: “We can confirm that Joel Taylor has passed away while on a cruise. The cause of the death has not yet been determined. We ask for your understanding during this difficult time and your respect for the family while they deal with the loss of their son. “

Taylor grew up in Oklahoma, part of the nation's iconic "tornado alley," and studied meteorology at a University of Oklahoma. Taylor joined the Storm Chasers cast in 2008, shortly after its premiere. Discovery canceled the show in 2012.

"We chased so many intense storms, and I wish we could have just one more storm chase," Timmer said on Twitter. "I'll miss you forever, Joel. We lost a legend."

RIP my best friend and storm chasing partner, Joel Taylor. I am shocked and absolutely devastated by the loss of my incredible, caring friend. 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 pic.twitter.com/htN45t8wik — Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) January 24, 2018

Taylor's storm-chasing team, Elk City-based Team Western OK Chaser, paid homage to Taylor on Facebook, calling Taylor an "inspiration."

"Our community of Elk City and the Storm Chasing community lost a great guy today," the post says. "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."

The post went on to state that the cause of Taylor's death remained a mystery.

"The medical professionals are trying to determine the cause," the post said. "It will most likely be quite a while before the medical professionals have those answers."

Contributing: Carly Mallenbaum