Joel Taylor, Discovery Channel “Storm Chasers” Star Dies on Harmony of the Seas

Jan 24, 2018

Discovery Channel’s star from the popular show “Storm Chasers” Joel Taylor died while vacationing aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Harmony of the Seas. Taylor died on Tuesday and it appears the death could be an overdose. According to TMZ, he had consumed GHB (Gamma hydroxy butyrate) drugs on the dance floor after which he was rendered unconscious and taken to his stateroom. 

The incident happened while the ship was docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ship’s officers have notified the authorities in San Juan and Taylor’s body was taken for an autopsy. Harmony of the Seas was chartered for a week-long voyage by Atlantis Events, the world's largest producer of gay and lesbian cruises and resort vacations.

Royal Caribbean has released a statement that reads “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. On January 23, 2018, the guest was found unresponsive in his cabin. As is our standard procedure, law enforcement was notified and responded to the ship when it arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A member of our Care Team is providing support and assistance to his family.”

Joel was on “Storm Chasers” from the very beginning in 2008 for the entire 5-seasons, documenting the pursuit of dangerous storms. Chasing storms was not just a TV thing, it was his passion. He was following storms long before the popular show aired, having studied Meteorology College in Oklahoma.