South Carolina readers might be interested to learn that The Weather Channel is being sued by the family of a man who was killed during a high-speed tornado chase involving the stars of the TV show “Storm Wranglers.” The accident was livestreamed by the pair, who were also killed in the crash.
According to authorities, celebrity storm chasers Kelley Williamson and Randy Yarnall were pursuing a tornado near Spur, Texas, on March 28, 2017, when they allegedly drove through a stop sign and smashed into a vehicle driven by a 25-year-old storm watcher spotter employed by the National Weather Service. The spotter, Williamson and Yarnall were all killed in the collision.
The wrongful death lawsuit, which was filed by the mother of the spotter, alleges that Williamson had a history of driving recklessly during storm pursuits. The suit cites text messages sent from another storm chaser to a “Storm Wrangler” producer warning that Williamson’s driving was a concern and that there were fears he could hurt himself or others. The lawsuit is seeking $125 million in damages from The Weather Channel, the estates of Williamson and Yarnall and other parties. The Weather Channel issued a statement saying it could not comment on pending litigation.
Families who lose loved ones in accidents caused by the negligent actions of others could be owed compensation for a variety of damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of income and loss of companionship. A personal injury attorney may be able to review a family’s case and prepare a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf.
Source: NPR, “The Weather Channel Sued For $125 Million Over Death In Storm Chase Collision,” Dalia Mortada, March 27, 2019