In another case of an untimely demise of a celebrity, Joel Taylor (38) recently died from what is so far speculated as an overdose of GHB drugs. An energetic and highly acclaimed reality TV star of the Discovery’s documentary series “Storm Chasers”, Taylor was found dead on Jan. 23, 2018 in his cabin aboard the Harmony of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship.

People aboard the cruise ship had seen Taylor consuming drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy. Another passenger informed the crew that he had fallen unconscious on the dance floor after taking large doses of GHB, which is a central nervous depressant, usually prescribed to treat sleeping disorders. Two of his friends then carried him to his cabin, where he was later found lying unconscious and unresponsive. His former co-star in the TV series, Reed Timmer announced his death that resulted in a pall of gloom descending on the “Storm Chasers” community.

“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,” tweeted Timmer.

Although the case is still shrouded in mystery with no official confirmation on the cause of death, passengers were aware that there was an abundant supply of drugs aboard the cruise ship. There was a free flow of illegal narcotics on the cruise ship, including drugs like cocaine and ecstasy—drugs that Taylor allegedly overdosed upon. Taylor had studied meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and later became part of the renowned TV series chasing tornados with thrilling visuals that kept viewers intrigued. His passing away is a great loss for his fans. Tributes are continuously pouring in from friends and acquaintances who will dearly miss him.

Drug overdose, a major concern for people

Drug overdoses have killed more people in the last few decades in the United States than any other natural cause of death. In many instances, accidental overdoses, often freak, have taken lives of people. Several celebrities have died due to drug overdoses in the past, with Taylor being the latest addition to the list.

The opioid epidemic is a major problem the United States is dealing with. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 64,000 people succumbed to a drug overdose in 2016. The sharpest increase occurred among deaths related to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids) with over 20,000 overdose deaths, states the organization.

Dealing with drug addiction

It is true that chronic and long-term drug addiction is fatal. However, one can also attain sobriety with timely treatment. With a little commitment to the treatment program, anybody can recover from addiction and lead a sober life. If you have a loved one struggling with an addiction to any drug, seek immediate help from any credible rehab center in your vicinity.

Hooked Sober is a source of information on drugs, alcohol, eating disorders and mental disorders. Please send your questions, concerns or comments to edito[email protected] or speak to a representative at (866) 838-4087.