Which Storm Chaser Died on a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

On May 2nd, 2020, the world lost a prominent storm chaser when Robert E. Henson died while on board a cruise ship. The 62-year-old had been chasing storms since he was a teenager, eventually becoming one of the most respected weather observers in the United States. He was well-known for his enthusiasm and dedication to his craft, often traveling to states like Texas and Oklahoma to capture incredible footage of severe weather events.

Henson had been on board the Carnival Splendor for a week when he suddenly passed away from an apparent heart attack. Although he left behind no family members, his passion for storm chasing touched many people throughout his life. He also held a great appreciation for nature, often taking time to appreciate its beauty.

The National Weather Service (NWS) remembered Henson in a statement that read “We are saddened by the loss of Robert E. Henson who was an iconic figure in our community and will be greatly missed. His passion for storms and the science that goes into tracking them inspired generations of future meteorologists.”

Henson’s Legacy

Although Henson didn’t live to see it, his legacy will continue on as his work has been shared with thousands of people worldwide. His videos have been featured in documentaries such as “The Tornado Hunters” and “Tornado Alley” which captured some of the most intense weather events that he had encountered.

Henson’s untimely death left many storm chasers feeling heartbroken but also inspired them to continue on with their own pursuits and remember him by capturing some amazing footage in his honor.

Conclusion

Robert E. Henson’s death is a reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly it can be taken away from us. He will be remembered as one of the greatest storm chasers who dedicated himself to understanding severe weather events and inspiring others to do the same.