Storm Chasers reality star Joel Taylor found dead on cruise ship

Reality star Joel Taylor has died on a gay cruise ship.

The Storm Chasers star, 38, was found unresponsive in his cabin on a gay Royal Caribbean cruise ship Harmony of the Seas as it docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In a statement to CNN on behalf of Taylor’s family, funeral director Richard Duggar II said: “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.” 

According to TMZ, Taylor was seen consuming a large amount of drugs and passed out on a dance floor on Tuesday night (January 22) before he was taken back to his cabin, sparking speculation he overdosed. 

Taylor’s friend and co-star of Storm Chasers, shared a series of tweets in honour of the reality star’s memory. 

Sharing images of Taylor, Timmer wrote: “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.” 

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

He later shared another tweet with images of Taylor alongside the caption: “More photos of legendary storm chase Joel Taylor living life. Miss him so much already #RIPJoel”. 

More photos of legendary storm chaser Joel Taylor living life. Miss him so much already. #RIPJoel pic.twitter.com/pec9rqW2bY

— Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) January 24, 2018

The reality star’s death is currently under investigation.