three Texas storm chasers killed on their method to the twister, police say

Police said three storm chasers were killed in a car accident on Tuesday when they appeared to be heading for a tornado.

CBS Dallas reports that Department of Public Security soldiers say severe weather was not the direct cause of the crash. But the storm chasers were heading for a tornado when one vehicle passed a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. There were two drivers and one passenger in the two vehicles, and all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

Sgt. John Gonzalez of the Texas Department of Public Security said all three were storm chasers.

Kelley Gene Williamson, 57, of Cassville, Missouri, drove a sport utility vehicle. He was ejected from the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt, Texas DPS reported.

Randall Delane Yarnall, 55, of Cassville, Missouri, was the passenger in the SUV and was wearing a seat belt.

Williamson and Yarnall were contractors for the Weather Channel. The station released a statement after news of the death’s crash spread.

This afternoon we learned that three people were killed 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 condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all concerned.

The driver of the jeep was Corbin Lee Jaeger, 25, from Peoria, Arizona. He was wearing a seat belt.

This is a developing story …

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