Mom of Arizona storm chaser killed in Texas sues Weather Channel for $125M
Mar 28, 2019, 12:20 PM | Updated: Mar 29, 2019, 8:47 am
(Facebook/The Weather Channel)
PHOENIX — The mother of an Arizona storm chaser who was killed in a car accident with two Weather Channel employees filed a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking $125 million from the network.
Corbin Jaeger was killed March 28, 2017, after Kelley Williamson and Randall Yarnall ran a stop sign at 70 mph while chasing a tornado for the show “Storm Wranglers” in northwest Texas.
The pair collided with a vehicle driven by Jaeger. The lawsuit claimed that Jaeger had the right of way.
Yarnall and Williamson were also killed in the crash, which the lawsuit filed by Glendale resident Karen Di Piazza called a “horrific two-car collision.”
The Weather Channel declined to comment on the lawsuit, pointing to pending litigation, but gave its condolences to the family in a statement to KTAR News 92.3 FM.
“We are saddened by the loss of Corbin Jaeger, Kelley Williamson, and Randy Yarnall,” the statement read. “They were beloved members of the weather community and our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of all involved.”
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Texas on Tuesday, alleged that Williamson and Yarnall “had a history of reckless driving while storm chasing” and that network officials had been warned of their behavior in the past.
“However, despite this knowledge posed by their employees/agents, (The Weather Channel) continued to allow Williamson and Yarnall to work as on-air storm chasers…which ultimately led to Corbin Jaeger’s tragic and completely avoidable demise,” the lawsuit read.
Attorney Robert Ball, who represents Di Piazza, said in a statement that the network encouraged Williamson’s and Yarnall’s recklessness.
“They take pride in filming and reporting the story to protect area residents,” Ball said.
“Unfortunately, Williamson and Yarnall, who were chicken farmers and cattle ranchers by trade, became the story, taking the life of Corbin Jaeger with them.”