Eric Nguyen

[Amos Magliocco]

I'm sorry to pass along that Eric Nguyen attempted to take his own life a week ago today and is currently in a coma in Arlington, Texas. Eric suffered catastrophic brain damage and is not expected to live more than a few days. He would want his friends to maintain his privacy as long as possible, thus the delay posting this news. I hope everyone can understand.

As you can imagine, we're all devastated.

Eric has a wife, two young boys, and many friends in and out of chasing who've called and emailed to express their concern. My answers have been sporadic because my focus is with Eric. From now on, I'll use this thread to share what I learn. Later on, of course, I'll have much more to share.

Thanks, everybody, for the kind words sent so far. I've read a few of the emails out loud to Eric's family and they've been very moved.

Amos Magliocco

[Aaron Kennedy]

A tragic situation... my thoughts are with his family.

I had the pleasure of having Eric as a classmate as an undergrad. We spent many a night in the maproom working on assignments, talking chasing and photography before and after classes, and of course eating at Los Dos Amigos (I'm pretty sure the staff there knew him by name). While I could write paragraphs about his chasing and photography skills, I'll always remember him for his bada$$ GEMPAK plots http://www.mesoscale.ws/forecast/.

http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/eric.jpg
- Eric in the maproom. He was always chewing on sunflower seeds.

http://people.aero.und.edu/~kennedya/eric2.jpg
- Eric in McPherson, KS an hour or two before initiation on the Mulvane day (12 June 2004). I used to joke around with my chase partners that if we ran into Eric while chasing, we were probably on the best storm of the day.

[Bob Schafer]

I'm stunned and pretty much speechless. What horrible, horrible news. My thoughts and prayers to everyone affected, naturally.

[Floss Ralston]

OMG, I am shocked as well. He's too young n he can't leave his family. I hope his family gives it some time before they let him go. Due to the fact we were told the same thing about my son n he is now walking, talking, eating n his memory is getting better each day :-) My prayers n thoughts are with him n his family.

[Shane Adams]

I'm only replying to let everyone know how much this effects me......other than that, I'm stunned beyond words. So many questions are filling my head right now.

Thanks Amos for sending word, my thoughts are with you as well as all of Eric's family and friends.

[Jeff Snyder]

I can't say anything beyond what others have said... Eric and I were partners for an term project in a Technical Writing class a few years ago, and I saw a lot of him in the old "Map Room" in SEC. He was a genuinely nice guy, and I was always taken aback by his willingness to actually listen to everybody with whom he was conversing. Sometimes, it seems as though some people aren't really listening when you are talking with them, but Eric always made it seem as though he really gave you 100% of his attention. He was one of those people that you could always easily talk to, personable and laid back. He was a skilled and respected chaser, with photography skills that rival the best in this hobby and field of work.

It's so sad to see such a tragic and abrupt end to a young chaser and caring human. I slept terribly the night after I first heard of this, since it seemed as surprising as anything I've ever heard. I'm still holding out hope that he can at least live through the next week, but I recognize his prognosis is dire.

My thoughts are with Eric and his family. In addition, I know how much Eric and Amos chased together (seems any time I saw either one of them, I saw the other as well), so I really feel for what Amos is going through.

[nickgrillo]

I'm also stunned beyond words... I just read this thread a few minutes ago. I've had the ability to meet and talk with Eric on a number of occasions while chasing.

An incredible chaser, photographer and personality to be around. I'm in utter shock of this news... My thoughts are with all of Eric's family and friends.

[Blake Michaleski]

I got the news several days ago and was stunned as well. I've had a few days to let it sink in... Eric was probably the second or third chaser I ever met. I learned alot about chasing from him. He liked to talk equipment in the old chat room. He's a brilliant guy who was an extremely gifted chaser.

One of the absolute best time I had with him was when Scott Blair and I went to Norman just to visit one day in August a few years ago. We met up with Shane and went dust devil chasing. Excellent times!!! I'll never forget watching the old Dawn of the Dead and Castaway when we visited him. I last got to chat with him at Scott's wedding just months ago in Louisiana. It was great to get to talk chasing with him.

My prayers are with Eric, his family, and all of his friends, especially Amos.

Thanks for keeping us updated Amos.

[Jeff Miller]

I want to express my sadness and shock about this. I've never personally met Eric but I am absolutely saddened and stunned to hear this. I'm wishing the best for him, and I offer only the words of comfort to his family, and children during this horrific time.

[Darin Brunin]

Wow....I am in shock. I have never met Eric but have always admired his photographic work and have never heard one bad thing about him. My thoughts go out to his family and friends in this horrible time.

[Shane Adams]

I've had a while to let this sink, so here's a few fond memories of my times with Eric....

As Blake mentioned, August 6, 2001 when Eric, Blake, Scott, and I observed no less than 72 dustdevils near Paoli, OK. Some of the best video outtakes and bloopers I have in my library came from that day, including a slo-mo shot of Eric running with a balloon in hand, trying to intercept a dustdevil and "deploy" the probe. Also, who could forget the infamous chaser party he hosted on December 15, 2001, when scores of chasers from surrounding states congregated for one of the all-time most classic parties in chaserdom...culminating at Chili's and seeing the birth of the infamous "Blue Drinks" which became a favorite with Eric, Scott, and others for years. And he never gave me a bit of grief for my years of mis-pronouncing his last name.

Last but not least, the simple observation that Eric Nguyen is one of the most-accomplished chasers of his genre.

[Blake Michaleski]

That Ded 15 party was EPIC... good times. I can't remember who all was there but I do remember meeting Mike H and Graham B for the first time.

I fully agree with how accomplished of a chaser he is. Two weeks or so ago I was showing someone Eric's Mulvane photos just to show them what I think are some of the best still tornado images ever captured.

[Tim Marshall]

I am deeply saddened by this news -and angry. Life is such a wonderful gift, so I cannot understand this. I've known Eric since he first got into chasing. He has wowed me many times with his photographs of the sky. I remember those shots of that white tornado southeast of Wichita, KS years ago with the small vortices and rainbow were simply priceless. Then, by contrast, that black, ominous tornado near Hill City a few years ago was simply scary. And then there was Tulia -yikes.

Keep us posted Amos.

TM

[Joey Ketcham]

I am shocked beyond words. Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet Eric, but got to know him through his chase logs, photographs and stories shared from other people. I think I passed him a few times, specifically on May 29th, 2004 but didn't have a chance to stop to say hi since we had several tornadoes on the ground.

My thoughts and prayers are with Eric, his family, his friends, and all those who knew and worked with him.

[Paul Stofer]

So many things come to mind when I think of Eric. Best Friend, Accomplished, Respected, caring, hilarous, my mentor and role model, teacher, one-of-a-kind, perfect chase partner. I could go on and on. I learned so much from Eric. Eric will be in the minds, hearts, souls of us all for the rest of our lives. There is so much to say, that I can't even express it all. I loved Eric like a brother. Eric was the most down to Earth human anyone would ever meet. Eric knew he was well known, but yet he was approachable and would talk with anyone and everyone. Eric had no sense of grandeur at all, it was all about everyone else and what he could do to help others. I'll have so much more to say in the coming days, but for now will keep quiet on the thread. Chase on brother, I'll see you in the target area again one day.

[JF Massicotte]

I am very sad to hear this.


All my thoughts are with Eric, his family and his friends.

[Bill Hark]

I am shocked and saddened to read this thread. When I saw his name as a subject in the announcements, I assumed Eric had won a contest for one of his images. This is a terrible loss to his family, friends and the chase/meteorological community. What an absolute waste! Why? Over the years, I have always admired his photos. A couple of years ago, I had initially considered using his famous Mulvane image on my groom’s cake and he sent me a hi-res version along with a congratulations and his hope that I would “enjoy eating Mulvane.” I have chatted with him numerous times while out in the field. My deepest sympathies for his family and friends. Amos, thank you for keeping everyone up to date.

Bill Hark

[Dan Robinson]

There is not much to say than what has already been said, as I share everyone's reactions here. My prayers go to Eric's friends and family.

http://stormhighway.com/plains2005/june7o.jpg
Eric and Scott Blair photographing hail - Murdo, SD - June 7, 2005

[Mike Hollingshead]

It truly is unbelievable, as that's how it still feels for me, that it really hasn't happened. I've known Eric for several years now, but not real well or anything. Right now I really feel for those that do. I worry for them, and hope they come out of this horrible thing ok. Amos was especially close during this last period. It's just an amazingly crappy deal. There's really no reasoning or explaining to crap like this. All one can do is hope that in the end it makes sense to us all. That and the obvious, remember the good times.

I don't have a lot of personal memories since we only spoke in person 3 times that I can think of. Those I do are pretty telling. I too was at the party in 2001.

http://www.huntel.net/chasing/stormpics/party12-15-01%284%29.jpg

You might be a weather fanatic if throwing ice at a vehicle, simulating wind driven hail, is a good time. Eric in the white shirt throwing.

One of the things from that party that I remember was eating at Applebees(pretty sure that was the place....nope guess it was Chillis as I just re-read these and noticed Shane mentioned it). I'm sitting there talking with Philip Flory. I'm sure we were both being kind of the shy people of the thing. Eric was sitting a table or two away with everyone(people were moving from table to table at this point). He gets up and comes over and sits down. He felt bad that he hadn't taken more time to talk to us...even if that was what he was now doing. It was just cool how he seemed concerned enough to mention it like he did, and leave the growing group to come talk to us loners.

A couple months later myself, Scott Blair, Scott Weberpal and Eric all split a room at the Denver party. I don't remember all that many things from that trip. What I probably remember the most, and something that still makes me laugh(just did) was the lightning "simulation" at like 4 a.m. I opted to take the floor, and was asleep at like 1 or 2. What do I wake to? I'm still laughing. Scott Blair and Eric(sounded like mostly Eric) jumping from bed to bed with the covers getting shocked to hell. Hell I'm not even sure they were jumping back and forth, but it sounded like it. They were saying funny things about lightning and laughing at how bad they were getting shocked doing this. I could hear it....the static shocks. It went on for a long time and didn't seem to lose entertainment value to anyone. It was just really funny and one surely had to be there. Eric seemed to be able to have fun with anything.

The last thing I remember is rather telling as well. It's going to bug me each time I remember it though, knowing what I know now. I've been working with Eric on a photography book for the last year or so. I could have done the book as an alone type thing, but I thought it would be a lot better with one or two others. The publisher agreed but didn't want to make it too complicated(like who gets paid what percentages for what they include, etc). Well the shortlist was excessively short. Basically I thought no one out there can beat Eric's collection. I'm always jealous of how great his stuff is and how natural it is. If I could name only one person and have them automatically have to agree to do it...it would have been him. I was so happy that he agreed to. So it ends up just his stuff and mine.

Well, the last thing I have from him(rather recent) was his worrying and his kindness. The proofs of his stuff looked bad as they were all very light(mine were as bad but pretty much the same level too dark as his were too light). They just weren't anything like he has on his site. He wanted to know if I could process them and offered to pay me. Problem is my hands are half toast, thanks to farting around with images far too much and using the mouse too much, with both hands. It's not a new problem and one I've mentioned to others. I told him it just wasn't going to happen, since it's a lot of images. I thought the book people are professionals at this and said they will get it right, not to worry.

What does he write back? His first words are how that sucks, and that I should go to the doctor as it could be a serious type of arthritis, and how they have meds for that. Then he comments on a few other things. Then again at the end of the e-mails says "Please go to the doctor and have them checked out". This was coming right as he was going to be away for a couple weeks. Given the circumstances as I know them now, that's some amazing kindness. I feel like a real jackass over it. I would have sucked it up and worked on them all. But anyway, it alone is just really damn telling how he was, so I thought I'd include it. I mean we didn't know each other very well at all, turns out he was having an extremely hard time right at this time...and he comments concerned about my hands. I mean I wouldn't have bothered being that nice, even if I was having the time of my life. Yet here he is, going through his worst and does.

I'm making myself mad now, so I'll stop. And again, I'm concerned about all those close to him. Amos' circumstance really concerns me, and I just don't know how to help it. It's all just very sad, and I can't begin to imagine how sad it is for others.

[Tarmo Tanilsoo]

This is very sad to hear. I am at a loss for words right now...

[Brian Emfinger]

I never have met him but I certainly know of him and as others have said I certainly know of his pictures. When I am taking pictures while storm chasing its mostly his (and MH's) pictures that are floating around in my head as to what I want them to look like.

I wonder if it would be something to consider putting aside a portion of the Storms of Dvd for a scholarship fund for his kids?

[Andrea Griffa]

My prayers go to Eric and all his family..It's terrible to hear such bad news..I love Eric pictures and I've always considered him like one of the best photographer in stormchasing.

[Robert Dewey]

Wow... I used to talk to Eric on AOL IM daily before he went to OU. We used to talk about how cool it would be to run GEMPAK, and then a year or so later, I ask him "are you looking at those images on RAP?" and he replies "Nope... I'm using GARP"

I am simply stunned, and angered. My mom tried to commit suicide when I was younger... if she would have succeeded, I would have been pretty damn upset and angry at the same time. The question I would have to ask myself would be "Why did mom decide to leave us?" I can only imagine what Eric's kids are going through :(

[Matt Ziebell]

I'm utterly shocked, but cannot even begin to understand what his family and loved ones are experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I came across Eric several times during various chases from '03-'05, but most times there were storms already underway and I never bothered to stop and say a quick hello. I really regret that. His photos and passionate documentation of hail were simply remarkable and a true testament to his love of weather.

[Patrick Martin]

What incredibly sad news! I did not have the opportunity to meet Eric in person, but certainly knew him by name and by his work. He will be terribly missed. Amos, thank you for posting!! Please let us know if any type of fund is set up for his family. My prayers go out to Eric, his family, and his friends.

[Charles Kuster]

Wow, that is terrible news. I was shocked when I first saw the thread. I did not know him personally, but greatly admired his storm chasing photography. From what I have read he sounds like an amazing person. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

[Marko Korosec]

Oh my dear God...why...why?! :( ...I am shocked with these incredibly sad news... I've been watching his talent for some time now, his incredible images and work. Really a respectful storm chaser! I had some chats with him, truly an awesome person. What a loss for all of us...

All my thoughts are with him and his family...I can't imagine through what they're going now...

[Brian Stertz]

I am stunned and saddened to hear about this news. I have met Eric quite a few times and shared some fun stories with Eric...and his longtime chase partner Scott Currens. My prayers are for Eric, his family, Scott, and Amos...very tragic.

[Bob Schafer]

Here is a link to some of Eric's Mulvane pictures:

http://www.mesoscale.ws/04-documents/040612.htm

[Dick McGowan]

I went through his site the other day and was hoping for more updates (like I do nearly every day), but saw he was getting a divorce. Eric would answer my emails (and many, many chasers would never even reply) when I first began chasing, and was basically the reason of why I wanted to learn more about it. He would email me back replies of (I'm sure were) the stupidest questions that I would ask him. His photography is simply amazing. I bought the Mulvane shot back in 2005, and it is still in my room. I briefly met him back in 2005 and thought it was the coolest thing ever to actually have met him.

This is by far the best tornado photograph I have ever seen, IMO beats his Mulvane shot.

http://www.mesoscale.ws/pic2004/040610-14.jpg

My thoughts and prayers go out to his closest friends and family.

[Eric Flescher]

I had emailed Eric within the last year telling him what a great photograph ofthe Mulvane tornado (that I thought was one of the nicest and most photogenic photos I have ever seen). I wante to wish him congratulations.

During the Hays storms in May, we happened to meet him and his buddy at a road stop. I told him again how much I thought of his brilliant photographs.

This is truly sad. I can't say more.

[afischer]

Totally stunned. I've never met Eric, only know of him as one of the best storm chasers/photographers that ever walked. Will keep him and his family in my prayers.

[Scott Olson]

I'm stunned, Eric had real talent and a gift for both photography and forecasting. I remember several chase days where it would come down the pipeline that Eric was at XXX and I would always think to myself 'Why would he be there'. On 2/24 for instance, I heard he was much further NW, more towards the low center and the backside of it. Well low and behold this target
came up with some tornado warnings to, apparently a funnel while the triple point yielded corckscrew updrafts and not a single funnel. His photography was some of the best out there and he really captured the essence of chasing well.

[Sam Sagnella]

Wow, I am speechless. I, like many others, have never had the pleasure of meeting Eric, but nonetheless view him as an inspiration. He has taken some of the best storm photographs I've ever seen, which, before my very own chasing days began several years ago (and even since then), helped me get through years of SDS in Connecticut. Eric has done so much to further chasing as a whole, both by inspiring others to follow in his footsteps, and through his respect for the 'total experience' that it is. My thoughts are with Eric and his family during this difficult time.

Eric, you have truly been an inspiration, and I can't thank you enough. Boomer Sooner, buddy; this game vs the 'Canes is for you.

[David Wolfson]

A good person and a fine photographer/chaser. So senseless. My prayers go to him and his family.

[Jim Leonard]

I know what Eric's friends and family must be going through during this time. I had this type of experience some 32 years ago when a roomate took his life in our apartment all because of a break up from a girlfried. Eric's family and friends will never get over the pain of this as long as they live. I remember running into Eric over the years on the road and Rocky's chaser parties, he was always a pleasent and enthusiastic young chaser. I just hope by some miracle he pulls through..

[Dan Cook]

Very sad to hear this. :(

[Adam Lucio]

I never got to meet Eric but his work is great. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[Jay Cazel]

I am sorry to hear this about Eric...I have never met him in the field but have always loved his work.

[cdcollura]

Good day all...

I was one of the first to know about this un-imaginable news last week.

I knew Eric very well, in fact, I was chasing with him less than 3 months ago.

I was devastated to hear about this, and it's really sad.

All I can say is that sometimes people have problems, and if Eric did, he sure was good at not letting anyone know about them.

I am sure we are all sad, suprised, and missing this fantastic chaser.

My prayers go out to him, his family, and all his friends / colleauges.

Eric was a great guy, and I will miss him - I am sure we all will.

If you feel depressed - Get help, period. No one deserves to go though something like this. No one.

[Dave Lewison]

Like others, I'm stunned & saddened by this.

I didn't know Eric other than the few times we've run into each other while chasing, but he was always very modest and nice. To me, he had this air of respect surrounding him, which was well-deserved, considering his depth of knowledge and research in meteorology. I still remember going mini golfing with him (in the white shirt) after the 2002 chaser picnic...

http://www.facethewind.com/chase2002/golf2.jpg

He let me ride in his tricked-out van, which was just the coolest thing in the world to me. :) His cleverness with that van inspired my hail shield design 3yrs later, which he was also willing to help with!

I think this thread is a great way to recognize Eric and all the great moments we've shared with him, however small. Like all of you, I wish his family and friends strength to get through this.

[Melissa Moon]

I'm praying for a miracle....this is just too sad beyond words

[scott r currens]

Eric has been my close friend for a little over 8-years now. I have learned a great deal from him and feel very lucky to have spent so much time with him in and out of chasing. This loss is absolutely devastating, I can’t imagine my life without him. The initial shock and disbelief is wearing off and I am left with a feeling of emptiness. What makes this so hard for me to accept is the fact that the Eric I knew was not a person that would take his own life. Having traveled more than 45,000 miles with him, the Eric I knew was funny, determined, and extremely passionate about his life. When looking back, this is how I will remember my friend and be grateful for the wonderful memories he has giving me.

Various shots of Eric:
http://www.violentplains.com/EricNguyen/

[Bobby Eddins]

This terrible news just floored me. I remember when I first ran into Eric years ago. I thought, who is this clean cut kid with his own "Vortex probe"? but it soon became clear that he was for real and very dedicated. This proved itself with time as he became a Meteorologist and captured some of the most impressive images I've ever seen.

We will continue to pray for his complete recovery, regardless of what the doctors say and the strength of his family to cope with this horrible burden.

[j_r_hehnly]

Wow, I'm very sad to hear this news. Eric is one of the nicest guys I've ever met.

I really admire him for his reasons for chasing. He wasn't out there for attention, plastering stickers, look-at-me lights, and useless gadgets on his vehicle. He wasn't out there looking to get that house destroying video then scurrying to some wifi hoping to be the first on CNN. Eric was out there to document severe weather. He did it with real weather instruments and he did it with a great eye for photos.

Eric's work did get noticed. How many of us had pictures in Smithsonian Magazine? How many of us had pictures that NASA featured as their astronomy picture of the day (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050613.html)? How about those amazing pictures from the 2005 Weather Guide calendar? How many of us have had pictures published in a college meteorology textbook? That's right, Eric has many images in the second edition of Wallace and Hobbs' Atmospheric Science, used by meteorology students around the world.

Eric's forecasting skills? Incredible. While I'd struggle to chose a single target, I'd hear of his multi-target plans for the day. Hit the warm front early then break off to the dryline. Who does this? Just awesome...

All I can say is that I'm very, very sad.

[Terry Tyler]

man, this is terrible news...

i have ALWAYS loved erics work...and had his storm documentation page and modeling page bookmarked...

his june, 2 2005 shots of the storm in eastern colorado were among my personal favorites...

as far as storm photography goes, eric nguyen and mike hollingshead were my inspirations for storm photography...

breaks my heart to hear this news...prayers to his family...

[Gerrit Gulden]

Wow, I am absolutely shocked and saddened. I first got the news from Myspace Bulletins, but they didnt explain what Happened. I had guessed the Praying was to help Eric go thru his Divorce which he Mentioned on his website on the main page, Very bottom.

I did not know Eric personally but Coming into storm photography He was the biggest of Idols to myself due to his amazing photographic work. I am deeply saddened and will definetely Pray for him and his family. Lets all hope for a Miracle here.

-gerrit

[Jeff Lawson]

It's been a week since I first learned of what happened, and even though I'm now coming to accept the reality of it all, it's nonetheless been a very, very long week full of sleepless nights and alcohol. Still, it's nothing compared to the pain Eric's family must be going through.

Eric and I have been close friends for many years. We chased together often. Many of my favorite memories out on the Plains were made together with him, chasing in his big white van. Distance and my not chasing for the past couple of years has made it so that I haven't seen him in awhile, but we still kept in touch via e-mail and through mutual friends. I was looking forward to seeing him again and kept thinking, "If and when I start chasing again, the first person I'm going to call is Eric... hopefully, he'll leave a seat open for me." The amount of respect I have for him is something I can't really put into words: respect for him as a storm chaser, a meteorologist, a father, and a friend. As others have already mentioned, Eric is one of the brightest, friendliest, and most easy-going storm chasers around. Even bust days were a joy when chasing together. We'd always find a way to have some fun, and even on the worst chase days, he'd be cracking jokes and looking forward to what the next day had in store.

I know it sounds cliche, but it just won't be the same without him. A world without Eric is something I can barely comprehend.

http://www.jefflawson.net/wx/insidevan.jpg

[Kurt Hulst]

This is truly sad news indeed. When I read Amos’s first post my gut wrenched with agony. I have chased with Eric a few times and I really enjoy his humor and his weather intelligence. I have learned a lot from him. I remember the first time i met him. Amos, Scott Currens and Eric were headed to a target near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. My chase partner David Diehl and myself had been in radio communication. We stopped at a flying J to take a leak and I remember when Eric started vigorously flushing the toilet to create a vortex, he then proceeded to call out tornado. And who could for get his hail burger. Amos I know in away how close you two are I hope you are holding up okay.

He will indeed be missed. But I pray that by some miracle he will make it through this.
God Bless

One more memory I have with him and the Scott's. I remember taking helium ballons to observe the wind over the river in Chamberlain South Dakota and later floating them over cows and scaring them away when they popped. And that same day throwing bouncy balls at eachother going 90mph down the road. Positive memories are the best ones to have.

[Eddie Natenberg]

Wow I am shocked, I am at a loss for words.

I met Eric online before I came to OU, he was very much an inspiration for me. He was a gifted meteorologist, storm chaser, and gempak guru.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

[Simon Brewer]

Terrible... I hope the best for Eric's family. He's a great guy and I'm both shocked and sad for him and his family. He must have been in a really bad place, and that tears my heart up; apparently the situation is bleak, but I hope he comes through.

I can still remember the first time I noticed Eric in Intro to Synoptic class way back in 2002 at OU! Since that first meeting we had a few chases together and had a hell of a time passing a summertime Calc 4 class. Eric, our friend James, and I were at the Vista one night before one of the exams trying to study, after becoming frustrated we thought it was wise to take Tequila shots; we all got very drunk and bombed the exam the following day, but we passed the class. We spent alot of time together the summer of 2002 and I'm sad we didn't stay as close afterwards, but we still bumped into eachother from time to time out in the field and at OU. I will always miss my friend Eric.

[Karen Politte]

Thank you Amos for posting this to Stormtrack. I believe this to categorically be the right thing to do. Eric's close friends - and acquaintences through chasing - need a table to which to bring their grief, their sorrow and their appreciation for this extraordinay person.

What has happened to Eric struck very close to home for me and is paralyzing. Jason is a great friend of Eric's, and the news hit us the day after it happened like a slow, agonizing, pealing thunderbolt. After we went through the denial, the disbelief and the why's and wheretofores, we were left with the knowledge that chasing will never mean the same to us ever again.

I had met and laughed and spoken with Eric on several occasions. At parties, at weddings, and - the chaser's forte - on the side of the road while wondering if we were missing a nighttime wedge in the middle of Kansas, as the inflow warmed our backs and whipped the sea of long grass about our ankles. He was so intelligent, so level-headed, and posessed the dry sense of humor that the Brits would die for over here in the U.S. He would frequently have me doubled-over with hysterics while a few around us wondered just what the joke was. His fascination with a liter bottle of Sprite during my Hogmanay party was always something I wondered about and smiled back on with fondness.

With my experience in the mental health field - I at once understand and lament what Eric has been going through. The "Silent Epidemic" is what it is called. To see someone so vibrant, so clever, so effervescent be failed by the system is just devastating to me.

I will always know Eric Nguyen as the Chaser who was Always There. It didn't matter whether it was dry LPs near Ft. Stockton, TX. or a bowing squall out by Spearfish, SD......if you had a love of chasing and a love of the open road - Eric was one who echoed your passion, and whose vehicle mirrored your own along those lonely, perfect, quintessential stretches of American highway that we all patrol.

I am so very sorry for this tragedy - for Eric, his family, his children, and for his close friends in chasing who I am trying my best to help through this terrible situation. Please, everybody - love those around you like today is your last chance to. It is the least we owe to each other. It is with tears creeping down my cheeks that I write this. My homepage at Stormskies will remain dormant as I try to come to terms with what has happened.

I don't have any photos to hand of Eric, unfortunately, but I believe Jason will be along shortly to post some great ones of his that he has.

We all chase the same castles in the sky.

[Angie Norris]

This is totally shocking and beyond belief. I didn't know Eric that well...Shane introduced me to Eric at the Vista one evening when I was out on vacation and I was so impressd at how friendly he was. After I started at OU, I'd run into him in the maproom on occasion and he would always have a good word to say. His photography skills are legendary as he can capture the power of the storm as very few can.
My thoughts and prayers are with Eric, his family and friends.

[Jeff Miller]

Karen, your words were very touching and cut to my emotions, and my heart goes out to you Karen, and Amos, and all those who knew/know Eric closely and can only imagine the pain you are feeling at this moment. I wish you as well as others close to Eric strength at this critical time as well. This is such a difficult time.

I only hope Eric can realize how missed he is right now - and can only hope for a miracle - but miracles do happen. I hope for good news for Eric, and for his close friends like you Karen, and Amos - and all who knew him as a brother and friend.

[Jason_Politte]

For some reason, pics won't post for me. Links will have to suffice.

http://www.onthefront.ws/images/eric61205b&w.jpg[/URL]

Eric Nguyen is someone that I always have and always will hold a great amount of respect for. His name is synonymous with the phrase “storm observer.” But of course, there was so much more to Eric, and his life touched so many people, whether it be through his wondrous photography, the casual hello on the side of a lonely highway while watching a storm, or through friendship. For myself, it’s all of the above.

I first met Eric through Scott Blair in 2000. During the past seven years, I was fortunate enough to chase with him on many occasions. Not only is Eric one of the absolute best chasers out there, he is also a friend . . . a friend who helped me through a rather difficult time in my life and one that I knew would always be there, whether it be just a phone call away or out in the field. Sadly, it appears that Eric won’t always be there in this physical reality, but he will always be in the hearts and minds of myself and the others who know him. Every time I take to the Plains, my thoughts will turn to Eric, as he was someone that I always looked forward to seeing, whether it be meeting up with him during the chase, in a restaurant somewhere after calling it a day, or in more social settings such as Scott Blair’s wedding.

I’m going to miss Eric deeply and miss speaking with him about weather, religion, politics, and other assorted going-ons in the world, but what I’ll miss the most about Eric is that he made me laugh.

Eric tring to stay warm on a cold chase day in November 2001 while Scott Blair begins using rocks to create a piece of chaser "art":
http://www.onthefront.ws/images/112301scott&eric2.jpg (http://www.onthefront.ws/images/eric61205b&w.jpg)

Eric decides to make it a joint project:
[URL]http://www.onthefront.ws/images/112301scott&eric.jpg

The finished work:
http://www.onthefront.ws/images/112301PDS.jpg

Eric prepares a "weather balloon" for launch while Scott Blair and Rob Hall look on:
http://www.onthefront.ws/images/eric&scottballoon2.jpg

Eric deems Scott the balloon launcher:
http://www.onthefront.ws/images/eric&scottballoon.jpg

Jason Politte

[Chris Hayes]

I had the pleasure of meeting Eric on May 15, 2003 and chasing with him and a couple of his chase partners. I'm very sad to hear this news :(

[Amos Magliocco]

What you guys have written means a lot to Eric's family and the people around him right now. He touched many people, even those who met him briefly.

I'll wait to post more about my friend. He continues to rest comfortably but with no change in his prognosis. We're in a hospice mode, for those familiar with the term.

I wanted to put out a call for pictures, not only of Eric in the field but anywhere. Two reasons : Mickey Ptak and Greg Stumpf have been generous enough to arrange time for a small montage dedication to Eric on the Storms of 2007 DVD. This would mean a great deal to him. We want to collect the images for both the montage and to assemble an online photo album of Eric in the field as a gift for his boys, Sean and Chris. They were too young for Eric to ever have taken chasing; this will be a way for them to learn more about their father's passion when they become young men.

On a personal note, thanks everyone who has emailed me or mentioned me in these posts. It means a lot. There's others in the same painful boat with me, a few who were able to drive overnight when things looked immediately dire back on Friday night. Scott Blair, Scott Currens, Bob Fritchie, Rachael Sigler and Paul Stofer have been as solid as you would expect the best friends of a great person like Eric would be. Please think of them as well. I owe them a lot.

[Amos Magliocco]

I'll add a few:

http://cycloneroad.com/images/Chase1998/IMG0006.JPG
Eric in 1998, taking notes

http://cycloneroad.com/images/Chase1998/IMG0017.JPG
back when we could all still read paper maps

http://cycloneroad.com/images/chase2006/2006may5/2006may5bHAILgrab7.jpg
Few things made Eric happier than big hail

[MatthewCarman]

I will keep Eric and his family in my prayers.

[Jason A.C. Brock]

I never met Eric personally but I have heard great things on ST over the years as well from Jeremy Wilson and Paul Stofer.
The way I always recognized Eric was his photographs......I would always look at the amazing photographs in the weather calanders I would buy every year......I wouldnt even have to look at the credits....I would think to myself....I bet thats that Nguyen..or Nygen guy....I am sure I have never said his name correctly... Sure enough id look at the bottom (c) 2000 or 2001 or 2002 or 2003 Eric Nguyen. Everytime...I would know it was him.....
You could jsut tell he had a passion for the weather and it was so intense it showed in his photography. That sounds odd to some but there is just a hidden talent when it comes to being able to photograph something your passionate about.
Thats what I will remember about Mr. Nguyen
I didnt know and always have been very uneasy sharing poems ive written over the years with much of anyone. I know I dont know all the details and none of us ever will about what has happened to such an amazing person. If we did know we wouldnt be so shell shocked and just have this huge cloud of doubt or why or disbelief.
Anyways I was going through some of my old poems (many of which I have deleted for whatever reason over the years) and I came accross this last night after seeing the post of what happened to Eric on ST.
Its something I wrote years ago....so no I didnt write this just recently...and I have thought if I should post it or share it or nor or whatever.....but anyways...here it goes....
It just makes you always have to remember.....always let those whom you love know that they are loved and that you are the one who loves them. You just never know....an ounce of compassion for just one second can mean something so much to anyone at any time....even if you dont realize it at the time or maybe you never will but it matters...

UNTIL THE NEXT STORM PASSES
ILL SIT AND WONDER WHY
WHY CANT THEY SEE WHAT I SEE
WHEN I LOOK INTO THE SKY

UNTIL THE NEXT STORM PASSES
ILL LOVE AND HELP ALL WHO I CAN
EVEN WHEN THEY DON’T LOVE ME BACK
FOR THAT IS OUT OF MY HANDS

UNTIL THE NEXT STORM PASSES
ILL SIT HERE BY MYSELF
AND WONDER WHOM ELSE THINKS OF ME
AND HOW MUCH MY SOUL IS WORTH WEALTH

UNTIL THE NEXT STORM PASSES
ILL TELL YOU ALL SHES COMING
BUT AS YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO DO
YOU WILL CLAIM THERE WAS NO WARNING

UNTIL THE NEXT STORM PASSES
ILL LOOK INTO THE FUTURE AND PAST
AND WONDER HOW MANY MORE STORMS WILL PASS
AND WHICH ONE WILL BE MY LAST

[Andy Wehrle]

:eek: :eek: about sums up my reaction when I started reading this thread. I never really knew Eric, although I e-mailed him a couple of times. All I can say for sure is he is one of the premeire atmospheric photographers out there. What a tragedy.

[Sam Barricklow]

I am saddened.

Eric's photography is among the best. He had true talent.

Although I didn't know Eric personally, I greatly admired his work. Eric left behind a significant legacy of storm photography.

To his family and friends, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.

[jason kissam]

Eric and his family are in my prayers as well, this is always a shock to find out this way... as like others on here i have not met eric but know his work and im amazed.

i have seen two friends take their own life short of their prime. lets not remember him for this remember him for the joy he has brought us all.

may peace come to eric, his family and friends..

[Amos Magliocco]

With a broken heart I relay that Eric passed away early this morning at 2:00 AM. He was surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife Nina, his two boys, Chris and Sean, and his mother, father, and sister, as well as other immediate family. Eric was twenty-nine years old.

The last two hours of Eric’s life were filled with sounds of joy and happy memories. From midnight to 1:00 AM, a few of us sat around with our laptops and found pictures of Eric and read stories from the boards out loud to one another, and to him. I played my old DVD specifically to find comments from Eric, such as how after a frustrating supercell finally produced a tornado just as Eric discovered a flat, he said: “We threw the supercell off guard by acting like we had a flat tire.”

Eric’s hospital room looked like a motel room with five chasers preparing for tomorrow’s action. Eric would have loved it.

Around 1:00 AM, he grew quiet and his breathing slowed. His family and friends gathered around and held his hand and helped him to the next plane in peace.

I’ll miss my friend and chase partner terribly. I don’t understand how something so awful happens to someone so full of life and light, and who touched so many people he hadn’t even met. I want to write more about this soon, but today I don’t have the energy.

Thanks again, everyone, for the well-wishes. We’re planning a chaser gathering in Eric’s honor very soon and we’ll post information about that when it’s finalized.

Amos

[Tony Laubach]

My heart is heavy with the news, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Eric. There are never any words in times like this, and even still, days after hearing the news, am still short on anything to say.

I've been lucky to have chased with Eric on numerous occasions, and each time was a joy. Some of the more memorable chases were the May 5, 2006 Seminole, TX hail day and the April 13, 2007 "thank God he was driving" Seymour wedge day.

Eric was a great chaser; very knowledgable, and always was sharing his knowledge. His sense of humor made every chase a new venture in cheap humor. I always looked forward to meeting with him in the field and will greatly miss all he brings to chasing.

http://www.tornadoeskick.com/images/2005/050518h.jpg

http://www.tornadoeskick.com/images/2005/050518k.jpg

http://www.tornadoeskick.com/images/2005/050518g.jpg

[Jeff Miller]

I sit at my computer sad, shaking my head this morning. I never knew him, but yet, now, it seems I did - if that makes sense.

Eric was the personification of everything chasing. Eric had *It*. The *It* I refer to was that Passion. the Passion only recognized by fellow chasers. the chaser community has been dealt a blow. But it's not nearly as intense as the blow felt by his young children, and they are the ones my heart is saddened for today.

There's nothing more I can say... except Amos and friends, hang in there. You'll always have the memories. I hope his website is archived and kept in perpetuality as a standing memorial to one of the finest storm chasers ever to roam tornado alley.

[Anthony Silver]

Very tragic news indeed. It always saddens me to hear that a fellow chaser has passed on, especially under circumstances such as these. My thoughts and prayers go out to Amos, and the rest of Eric's friends and family.

[Angie Norris]

Amos, I am so sorry to hear the news. Please accept my deepest sympathies and please pass them on to Eric's family. He will be deeply missed.

[Shane Adams]

I'm very sorry to hear this news, and for the loss of his family and friends....you are all in my thoughts. I'm happy to hear he had such wonderful friends surrounding him in his last hours, there is nothing more valuable.

[Tarmo Tanilsoo]

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Eric's family.

Based on the posts in this thread, I think that an era has ended in the history of storm chasing. He'll be missed.

I am also joining in my opinions with Jeffrey Miller and ask if it is possible to save his web site for posterity by some means?

[fplowman]

My condolences to Erics friends and family.

[Marko Korosec]

My deepest condolences to Eric's family, Amos and to the rest of his closest friends...I am still shocked how something like this can happen to someone like him. He will be missed...

[JF Massicotte]

All my condolences to Eric's family and friends.

[Brian Stertz]

Rest in peace Eric...you are and will be missed incredibly out there on the chase trail. Truly a very sad day in the chaser community....makes a high risk bust look not all that bad.

[Kyle Flannigan]

Unfortuantely, I've never had the honor of meeting Mr. Nguyan, but I've heard so much about him and his awesome work.

Just like Jeff Wear, this is such a shame that death has to befall such great people right in the prime of their lives.

My condolences to Eric's family and friends...he will be greatly missed.

[Danny Neal]

Deepest condolences, shouldn't have happened, but at least now he can chase in the after life and not worry about a flat tire or a cap bust. Send my sympathies to his family, especially his boys who need to know what a great PERSON his father was and still is in many of our hearts. Sad day.

[Kurt Hulst]

Truthfully I do not know what to say other than what has been said. In one way i feel numb. He was only two years older than I and it makes a diffrence in thinking about his life. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out for the family, and friends. May we be able to honor Eric's life. He was young man but yet an icon in the chaser community.

[Dave Gallaher]

A great loss to a community, an even greater loss to a family and friends...

[Matt Starkey]

I didn't know Eric personally, but I am shocked and saddened about his loss. Reading the messages on this thread thus far show what a huge impact this man had on everyone. I hope that Eric knew how important he was to everyone and how special he was to many. I am saddened that alot of people are hurting right now. Eric's family and numerous friends have been dealing with the agony of grief and loss and unfortunately this will continue for a long time. Even those who didn't know him personally have been touched. Many are feeling numb, great loss, with aching hearts and wondering if all this is real or a bad dream. It is hard to come to terms with the reality of it. My condolences go out to Eric's family and close friends right now. My prayers are with you all. All I can say is that in our weakness and helplessness, God will strengthen and comfort us.

Matt

[Blake Michaleski]

http://www.tornadoeskick.com/images/2005/050518h.jpg


LoL.... Natural Log Cabin.

Classic Eric.

Amos, thanks for keeping us up to date. And a big thank you to everyone for the excellent stories and photos. The news of Erics passing hits hard. He really was what chasing is all about.

[Paul Stofer]

Amos Magliocco wrote it down to the point. Eric would have wanted nothing better than for all of his friends to sit around on our computers reading notes, looking a chase photos and videos and enjoying being with him in the past and present. His friends sat by his bedside, held his hand and were with him until it was time. I am honored to have known Eric, and to have been with such a great group of friends during this difficult time. Eric was quite possibly the most intelligent individual I have ever personally known. He cared so much about others, and had not ounce of self loathing or sense of knowing he was more accomplished or better than anyone else. Eric knew he was "fameous", but didn't act as if he was. He was always the normal, outgoing, down-to-earth individual he always was. I'm sad to see him go, because I loved him like a brother. I constantly think to myself, why Eric. Anyone but Eric. I constantly think to myself why such a wonderful person. Why do such horrible things happen to such great people. Eric was a fighter all the way to the end. Questions and memories swarm my mind, and they will for the rest of my life. I will talk more in the coming days, but like Amos and the rest I am exhausted and in a lack of words. With a broken and saddened heart I say I love you buddy, and I'll see you roaming the plains again one day.

[Chris Hayes]

While only having the pleasure of chasing with him on one occasion, I'm very saddened to hear about his death. He was a very good storm "observer" and his contribution to the storm chasing community will surely be missed. :(

[Paul Stofer]

http://www.stormpursuit.com/eric/eric1.jpg Sitting at Frys Electronics. He loved that place.
http://www.stormpursuit.com/eric/eric2.bmp Getting ready to deploy a sounding.

[Gerrit Gulden]

Eric Nguyen will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his Family and friends.

Eric was my inspiration to start weather photography. Like many others, I would check his website daily for updates of recently chased storms. I do hope that his website will remain online as a Tribute. I would gladly Donate money as well to have this happen.

take care...

-gerrit

[Gabe Garfield]

I want to extend my deepest condolences to Eric's family, Amos, Scott C., Scott B., Bob F. and all of you who have stuck so closely to Eric during his life. I want to let you know that you all are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

I've known Eric personally since 2004, and I've kept up with his chase accounts and photography for much longer. I've had the great privilege of sharing a number of conversations with Eric, including a particularly good one a month and a half ago when he visited the National Weather Center. He has always been very friendly, and even though I was a somewhat-newbie chaser when we met, he never was condescending toward me. More than anything, I'll remember his smile (which I don't ever recall leaving his face).

Eric will always be remembered as a brilliant chaser and photographer. More importantly, though, Eric will be remembered as a wonderful human being who really cared about other people. Rarely is such talent juxtaposed with such kindness, which makes our loss that much more profound. Eric will be sorely missed.

Gabe

[Bobby Eddins]

Our heart felt sympathies go out to Eric's family and especially Amos. Prayers still go out for strength and peace and understanding.

[Scott Blair]

In the photo below: Happiness after several tornadoes observed, including the Hill City Tornado, on 9 June 2005. This was Eric Nguyen.
http://www.targetarea.net/pic18/erichlcday1.jpg

Today signifies the passing of one of the greatest individuals I’ve had the pleasure to encounter. Eric Nguyen meant the world to me and his closest friends. We first conversed together in June 1998 and continued to develop a lifelong friendship. Perhaps unknown to him, he served as one of the most important motivating individuals in my life throughout the past 10 years. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to chase with him in excess of 50 times over the years, and it was without a doubt some of the best times of my life.

I’ll forever miss quoting movies of DOTD and Cast Away, launching helium balloons or playing with bouncy balls for no apparent reason, and chatting all-the-while dreaming together of innovative ideas and storm seasons to come. I’m also grateful he was such a close friend on a personal level. My mother will always treasure being escorted by Eric down the aisle on my wedding day.

Eric was the epitome of respectable storm observing; always kind, level-headed, gentlemen-like, and with a purpose. His passion, understanding, and respect for severe weather were unparalleled to any other chaser of his generation. Eric’s demeanor and humor were infectious and his photography was beyond inspiring to all parts of the world. His intellect, contributions, and positive influence in the realm of storm chasing and mesoscale meteorology will assuredly be appreciated and will motivate others for years to come.

You have left this life, and I don't know why. But I welcome the opportunity of annual companionship that undoubtedly lies ahead. Because the wind will forever whisper your words and laughter to those that listen. And the rusty windmill will wave a soothing acknowledgment of your presence. You will be witnessed over the unending green fields, capped by a condensation canopy of your liking. We know where to find you. You will never leave us, and we will never leave you. Goodbye my friend, until we meet again.

Scott Blair

[Robin Tanamachi]

I had the pleasure of meeting Eric several times while chasing on the Plains and at chaser get-togethers. He was an exemplary storm chaser and consistently practiced good chase etiquette. I enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm for the hobby, and the spectacular images that came out of his cameras year after year. The storm chasing community is poorer for his absence.

Despite my expecting this news, it still hit me like a jolt of electricity. I simply cannot imagine what Eric's family and friends are experiencing right now. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of them.

Thank you, Amos, for keeping us all informed about Eric's final days. The level of devotion you've shown to Eric throughout this ordeal has been exemplary.

[david diehl]

I have to echo Kurts words, I will miss him greatly, I may have only chased with him once, but once is all it takes,again, I will miss him

[Bob Hartig]

I got wind of the events with Eric, including his passing, only within the last half hour. I logged onto Stormtrack maybe fifteen minutes ago and started reading this thread from the beginning. The many responses are a tribute to just how many people in the storm chasing communicty have in one way or another been touched by Eric.

I never met Eric, but I've read many of his posts, viewed many of his photos, and recognized him as not merely a man of tremendous talent and expertise, but of great passion. I feel terribly, terribly sad. I am so sorry for those of you who knew Eric well--for family, friends, fellow chasers, and all who loved him. My prayers are with you.

[Joey Ketcham]

I am sadden by the news of Eric's passing, my sympathies goes out to Eric's family and friends as well as to everyone in the chase community who gotten to know Eric over the years.

[Bill Hamilton]

Totally stunned as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this trying time. May he live on through the people who loved him.

[Jeremy Ludin]

Wow, terrible news. He truly had some of the most awesome weather photos on the net. I never met him, but from stories by fellow chasers who did know him he will be missed.

[Verne Carlson]

Truly a sad day for the chasing community. Eric was a great guy. Always passionate about storms and a kindred spirit in the technical side he was always interested in the 'gadgets' of storm chasing. I think about the last time I talked to him as we were waiting for initiation in Valentine, NE this May and then we all raced up to the storm in the Badlands of SD.

I still get a kick out of Amos' comments on the Storms of 2006 May 5, 2006 Seminole, TX hail chapter as Eric is out collecting large hail with Amos and Tony. Amos says - "This is Eric in paradise, walking in a field of baseballs".

Today I'm sure he is in paradise once again collecting baseballs. Rest in peace my friend. We will never forget you.
Verne

[Rocky Rascovich]

I'm currently here in St. Paul MN. getting ready to see Rush... checked online to see how Eric was doing. ... All I can say is that I'm heart broken over what has happened. I never knew him well but he was and always will be a great inspiration to me. I will always remember his presence at my chaser picnics and seeing him out chasing in various places.

I can't fathom what Eric was going through in his last weeks. All I know is that I am no stranger to depression, I struggled with this long ago and I still need to keep it in check. I thank God for my family and friends and for you folks as well. This is what keeps me going through this maze called life. I'll be returning home late in the week. I hope to make any memorial service that may be planned.

My thoughts and prayers especially go out to the family and close friends like Amos and Scott B. If you ever need to talk, my cell number is below. I will return your call asap. Meanwhile... while I'll be mourning Eric's loss, I will more often be celebrating his life, and celebrating the legacy he has left behind... and an example for all of us to follow.

Peace from above
Rocky&family

Cell: 405-226-2996

[Simon Brewer]

My condolences to Eric's family and friends; it's strange to think about heading out and not running into Eric on a dirt road in BFE on any given chaseday. Though Eric was 3 years older than I, he always seemed to have this child-like persona when we hung out, especially when it came to discussing meteorology.

My fondest memories of Eric Nguyen:

At a Pizza Hut in central Kansas on June 11, 2002(Eric loved eating at Pizza Hut after the chase, at least in 2002) after supercells had become outflow dominant forming an MCS a lightning bolt struck a telephone pole about 20 feet from us; we all ducked and ran inside as if ducking would somehow protect us and we all laughed about it for hours. I think we had met up with Scott Blair on that day, but can't really remember.

One of the many times we got tanked at the Vista Eric began stacking the shot glasses on top of the light fixture hanging over the Northeastern Corner booth. The waitress didn't like that too much at all.

Eric discussing 'spikey hail'; it made him giddy to discuss hail.

Getting kicked out of the Vista, because he punched out our friend Paul (trust me, it was hilarious, because they were both drunk and nothing was harmed).

Watching chase videos at that house on Brandywine Ave. in Norman.
Sometimes I would be out for a long run and I would pass by Eric's house on Brandywine and he would be in his garage working on a gadget and I'd stop to say hi, but instead end up hanging out with him for hours.
Even after Eric graduated and moved to Texas I would and still do pass by that house on Brandywine and immediately Eric enters my mind; to me that will always be 'Eric's house'.

I believe someone on here summed up Eric best for me; he always had a smile on his face.

Rest in peace Eric

[Amos Magliocco]

Verne,

Thank you for reminding me of that quote. I'd forgotten, and today it really means a lot.

I need to address a few questions people have asked. About Eric's webpage: it will never go down for a minute. Not only will it remain as it is, but Robert Hall will help us to add dozens or more of Eric's slides over the next six months, images previously unseen unless you attended some of the small parties in the early 2000's when Eric brought a projector. These are fantastic pics, many of them, and it will be a revelation to see "new" work from a master artist.

A few of Eric's friends are hastily working to create a foundation in his name at OU, which will allow those who want to make a donation in his name to contibute to a cause Eric would treasure: the School of Meteorology and opportunities for young scientists. What we have in mind specifically is a scholarship. More details will be forthcoming soon about the nature of the scholarship and how people can donate.

We're also arranging a chaser gathering, likely to be held in Norman, perhaps in the next three to five weeks. Again, the people trying to make these things happen have only been a handful of hours away from Eric's side, and we're all tired and broken. But every post on this thead and others like it increases our sense of responsibility to a friend who was admired by so many.

As much as I knew about Eric and how much he accomplished in chasing, as a forecaster, tactician, programmer, photographer, and in other areas, what I didn't realize was the depth of affection for him from so many, surely his finest achievement. For me, it's like Eric's closest friends were standing around a campfire, in the full glow of the firelight. But we didn't know how far behind us the illumination stretched, nor did we see the play of light and shadow on those who were there. When the fire went out, we turned and saw hundreds of people standing with us. I knew a lot about my friend---his pepporoni pizzas with light sauce and his dependable one-liners---but I didn't know the reach of his personality and the resonance of his art. This I'm certain is the hallmark of greatness; and what I know for a fact is how lucky I was to have been his friend.

Good night, my brother. I'll see you on the plains.

AM

Truly a sad day for the chasing community. Eric was a great guy. Always passionate about storms and a kindred spirit in the technical side he was always interested in the 'gadgets' of storm chasing. I think about the last time I talked to him as we were waiting for initiation in Valentine, NE this May and then we all raced up to the storm in the Badlands of SD.

I still get a kick out of Amos' comments on the Storms of 2006 May 5, 2006 Seminole, TX hail chapter as Eric is out collecting large hail with Amos and Tony. Amos says - "This is Eric in paradise, walking in a field of baseballs".

Today I'm sure he is in paradise once again collecting baseballs. Rest in peace my friend. We will never forget you.
Verne

[Bob Schafer]

In early 2001, I was a chasing noob. I had chased a few times dating to 1999, but I knew no meteorology and no other chasers. I had just bought a computer and got online for my first time. Having found ST, I noticed a link for a "chatroom". "Chatroom"?? What's that?

With some trepidation, I clicked on it. There were two other people in the room. I only remember that one of the two names was Eric Nguyen because it struck me as an unusual name. Eric and I chatted for awhile, and it was immediately obvious that Eric was a pretty cool guy. The other person was idle. After that, I had no "fear" of chatting with other stormchasers in the chatroom, and I became a regular. I cannot begin to recount how much my life has been enhanced from those early chatroom days.

Rocky, I also have had my bouts with depression. It is an insidious, evil infliction, as we know.

God bless Eric and his family and all of us, his friends forever.

Bob

[Charley Kelly]

I am extremely sadden and stunned at the news of Eric's passing. I was lost for words when I logged in last night to read the news. He was truly a great individual that I admired for his work and character. I had the great pleasure of meeting him at scott's gathering back in the 90s, and again out in the plains during the 2002 season. I also saw him and talked with him some when I saw him at places like TESSA. Its so sad to see someone like him leave this earth so early in life, but god seems to take those of great character, integrity, at such a early age. May god bless his family and friends during this time of mourning. The memory of eric will always live in the plains for eternity for friends, family , and everyone that was touched by eric.

[Brett Adair]

Wow.....this quite stunning. I never personally met Eric, but I was involved in some conversations with he and Paul Stofer. He seemed like a very intelligent and cool guy. Seemed like he meant alot to Paul too. I have viewed his work and he was quite a chaser, meteorologist, friend, and artist. He will be missed by many, but will never be forgotten especially when he is riding along with us all as we roam the plains. We will miss you brother.

[Bob Fritchie]

Before trying to convey my feelings for Eric, I’d first like to address everyone who has sent thoughts, prayers, and words to Eric, his family, and his friends. Throughout the ordeal, all of your kind words were discussed out loud and reflected upon by exactly those which needed the support. At times, many computers were up and running and we were all looking through your photos, reading your posts, and you were all made present in his room. I cannot tell you how much all of you lifted the spirits of his family when they saw the outpouring of support. Eric, his family, and his friends are all thankful to each of you.

Eric and I have been good friends since 2003, our junior year of our undergraduate degree in meteorology. I had known him prior, but only as an acquaintance and mostly through his remarkable chasing reputation. During our senior year, we quickly became very close friends and I had the great opportunity to work on some projects with him, including our capstone project on an undular bore (hydraulic jump) that was observed during the IHOP project. Over the years I had come to find his deep passion for the science of meteorology and extensive knowledge of measurement systems, in addition to his enthusiasm for “storm observing,” to be infectious. I was able to have conversations with him that in one sitting would bounce between the topics of relationships, to isentropic maps, to his most recent restaurant infatuation, to a storm he chased 5 years prior, to the dynamics problem set we were supposed to be working on while we were having this discussion.

In the field of storm chasing, I would agree with the many others that have made statements indicating that he was undoubtedly the best chaser of his generation. If I can some day model most of his chase ethics, forecast half as well as he could, and take photos that can invoke just a fraction of the emotions his do, I would consider myself lucky. As it stands, I am honored just to have had the opportunity to have known him, to have learned from him, and to call him my friend.

Gone are the days where I could call him and tell him to step outside as a nice outflow-induced hydraulic jump passes our town. Gone are the days where I could look forward to technical discussion on severe weather setups past and present. Gone are the days that I could call my old friend for advice with my job, or research, or anything else. I have a painful hole deep in me that I’m not sure I can ever fill again, and I know that I will ALWAYS miss him.

However, I am looking forward to the day that the pain is finally eclipsed by the powerful memories left in his wake. I know chasing will never be quite the same, but I also know that the wonderfully quirky sense of humor, the passion for anything weather, and the good times spent on the plains will always keep my good friend close to me as well as close to all of the others he has touched.

Eric, I am a better person because I knew you, and am truly honored to have called you my friend. I will miss you always, and will love you forever.

-Bob Fritchie

[APritchard]

You don't have to look far for examples of how Eric always put other people before himself.

Taken from the main page of his website:

Something Al mentioned back in 1997 while we were watching some Jarrell video....
"It's hard to enjoy the fascination of storm chasing when people are getting hurt" - Alan Moller
Something to remember while observing destructive storms.

[Joey Ketcham]

http://www.kschaser.com/ericnguyen.jpg

[Jeff Miller]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c278/cloudtoground2004/EricNguyenTribute2.jpg

[gilbert sebenste]

Amos et al,

I never met Eric, but when I saw the Mulvane picture, I thought that was
one of the better tornado pics I had seen, and a chaser who I'd like to meet! The sunlit bottom half of the tornado, with the rainbow in the background, partially blocked by the building getting nailed in front of it, was spectacular. His pictures of that and the base of that supercell almost took you there. But it is truly sad that we won't have the gift of him in the future, or get the chance to meet him

My sympathies to you and may God Himself comfort you, his family, friends, and all who loved him.

[Bob Fritchie]

The following are the thoughts of Rachael Sigler, a good friend of Eric:

-------------------------------------

I cannot say much more than what has already been written by so many, especially Bob, Amos, Scott B., and Scott C. This process has been made so much easier with the support of them all. All the kind words, pictures, stories, and memories of Eric that have been written here on Storm Track by everyone has helped so much as well. We have spent this past weekend keeping up with all your posts and reading them aloud to each other, including his family, in front of Eric. You could really feel the love that filled the room. It was all very moving.

Most of all I wanted to say that I know why I looked up to Eric and why I admired him. I knew he was well liked in the chase community and that he had a lot of chaser friends. What I did not know were all the people he has touched, inspired, and encouraged through his chase accounts, photography, emails, chats, etc. I had no idea he had so many followers. It is truly amazing and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the kind words. It helped us all celebrate his life over the weekend in his presence.

I first met Eric in the spring of 2004 through Bob Fritchie. I started to get to know him over that spring break when we hung out at Bob’s and he made us watch all these old horror films including Return of the Living Dead, the original Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, the Army of Darkness, and the Evil of Dead. We ate at Los Dos Amigos a lot that week which was his restaurant of choice. Over the next year we became good friends. He stopped seeing me as “Bob’s girlfriend” and treated me just like any one of his close friends. He helped me buy my first ham radio and antenna set up and was very excited and eager to install it in my car, always wanting to drill holes somewhere, which is classic Eric. I, like many others, was obviously taken back by Eric’s amazing photography. He made it seem so simple to take breathtaking pictures. As any beginner, my first year of storm chasing with my new SLR did not produce good results. I spent many nights chatting with him online about how to take better exposures. He never once said my photos were bad, even though I knew they were, and was always willing to give me advice. The next year I was finally able to capture some great pictures thanks to Eric’s guidance. I have also become interested in instrumentation thanks to Eric as well. I think I always had this geek part of me that needed some coaxing to come out. Hanging around Bob and Eric so much brought out some very geek things in me, and I enjoyed talking about instrumentation with them on so many occasions. I always enjoyed going over to Eric house to work on the chase cars and watching them BS and wire everything up.

Over the years Eric and I had become very close friends, and I am completely devastated by all this. I will miss the quirky smile he always has, the way he taps his fingers on his chin and lips when he has a good idea or thinks of something funny, the passion he has for storms, the friend I spent so many hours talking to online in the evening while doing my homework, the Los Dos runs so he could get his tamales and his 2 sopapillas, getting to meet up with him on chases and talking about the day, his white t-shirts and kaki shorts, and most of all, the jokes and sense of humor that he and Bob shared. I know that I have left off many more things that I will miss than what I just listed off that will come to be in the day, weeks, months, and years to come. There are so many good memories of Eric that I will always smile and laugh at. When hanging out with Eric, I was always sure to have a good time. I am so happy I had the opportunity to get to know him on a personal level. He has made an impression on me that I will never forget and I will always miss him.

Eric, I want you to know that I admire you more than you will ever know. I am so honored to have had you as a friend, and you have made a lasting impression on me in so many ways. I will miss you forever.



~Rachael Sigler

[Grant Gutierrez]

I'm a new chaser and a new photographer so Eric was definatly one of the people I looked up to. I never knew him but as many other people in my situation have said, I kinda feel like I did, just after hearing the things people have said about him in here. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

[Andrea Griffa]

I too want to extend my condolences to Eric's family, Amos, Scott C., Scott B., Bob F. and I want to say for the last time, thanks, Eric, for those incredible pictures of Mulvane,Ks tornado,you did a masterpice I think I'll never forget it.


Here the last goodbye of italian chasers, my friends that knew and appreciated his beautiful pics.

http://forum.meteonetwork.it/showthread.php?t=61416

[Jason Boggs]

I met Eric a few months back during the Tulia incident. I noticed one thing when I saw his Xterra messed up so bad during that time. He had a smile on his face and a camera in his hand taking photos of the vehicle like it was a storm on the plains. It didn't seem to bother him a bit. I could tell at that moment that the camera was like an extension of his hand. And looking at the great photos on his site, it definitely was. Like I said, I didn't hardly know him at all, but at work today, he was all that I could think about. Eric is a lost brother in our chase community that will never be forgotten and storm chasing will never be the same without him. Amos, and the rest of his close friends and family; I pray that you heart will be healed and that the great memories of Eric will make you smile every time you think about him.

Eric, I love you bro and you will never be forgotten!!!
REST IN PEACE...

[Jason Castine]

I'm kinda late entering here, didn't really know what to say but needed to say something. I knew Eric for about 10 years now. I started emailing him when I was in 6th grade after I found his webpage and wanted to know more. He was always helpful and always awesome to talk to. He really took my spark of interest in severe weather and added gas to the fire. When I started photographing storms, he sold me my first camera, which was his first SLR, for the price of shipping it from Norman to Savannah, GA. I still have it and sure as hell will never sell it. We'd talk hams, cameras and insturments which I'm sure most of you know, man was in love with it all. I remember when he started planning that kickass van of his and the website he put up for people to bounce around ideas around for it. We stayed up all night once talking about it. More than storm chasing, Eric was a hilarious man. Could keep you laughing for hours of the most random things. I hadn't heard from Eric in a while, we'd keep in touch via emails, just didn't know the last time we spoke was truely the last time.

I will truely never chase, never see a bolt of lightning or the roll of thunder without thinking about him. We'll miss you bro.

Sincerely,
Jason Castine

[Derek Deroche]

The passing of Eric Nguyen marks the loss of a truly remarkable and inspiring individual that contributed so much to our passion.

I first met Eric several years ago and have since experienced many great memories with him. He was truly an inspiration to be around and one of the most humble gentlemen I’ve had the pleasure to come across. He exemplified the true nature of a chaser in every sense of the word, while staying true to the dignity and class we should all strive to achieve. I am truly thankful and honored to have known him and considered his friend. The legacy Eric leaves behind will forever inspire weather enthusiast of all walks of life and I thank him for that.

I’ll forever miss his witty nature, contagious smile, and the always enjoyable collection of clever shirts he would wear. From witnessing a captivating sky to chatting about past storms to meeting up to celebrate our best friend’s wedding, these memories will serve as a lasting tribute to Eric. You have left this world and are now faced with a new one. I will cherish the day when we meet again, under the pearly archway illuminated by golden mammatus. Rest in peace my friend.

[Derek Deroche]

Some kind words from Katie Burtis, a friend of Eric:

I am so saddened by this tragic loss, to Eric’s family and closest friends, my deepest sympathy to all of you. To the chaser community, we have lost a very significant member of our group. Reading all the previous posts from close friends to others who have not had the opportunity to meet Eric, I wanted to say that it’s easy to see how Eric made an impact on all our lives…including mine. We will all miss Eric very much and the plains will never be the same.


Here’s a few of my memories:
I first met Eric the day before the Manchester tornado, in June, 2003. I ran into Eric and Scott Blair during a summer project. We talked about the hail in Aurora the day before and how the day looked to set up. I didn’t think I would ever see them again. The main things I remember from that day included Eric’s van and the two guys in the van and how nice they were to me. I’m sure they were thinking at the time… “That girl’s crazy”
Eric and I ran into each other a few more times over the open plains and then I was able to hang out with him at Scott Blair’s wedding this past March. There I saw many of his famous shirts including the Natural Log Cabin shirt. He also had another shirt that referenced to the movie “The 6th Sense” haha. I believe that was also the night the Hand Grenade Mix was dispersed amongst the wedding party. Good times.
I have attached a few pictures of Eric from Scott Blair’s wedding below.

One more thing I wanted to add: This past Tuesday I saw the most breathe-taking sunrise. The skies were mostly cloudy and as the sun rose above the horizon the clouds turned shades of pink, red and orange. The first rainbow appeared, and it was beautiful. Shortly after, the second rainbow came to view. This was the most beautiful-and emotional sunrise I have ever experienced. I know this was God’s way of welcoming Eric home. Rest in peace, Friend. You will be missed greatly.

http://dd.lebarinc.com/eric
I asked Eric to give his best “pouty face” for the camera because he missed Amos at the wedding. .

http://dd.lebarinc.com/eric2
Eric, Scott Blair, Blake Michaleski, Derek Deroche and many others joining in on the traditional dance of what is known today as the “Arkansas Dance”.

[Blake Michaleski]

You know, I was gonna post that pic but decided not to as I didnt want to embarass myself, Eric, Scott, or Derek...Looks like ya took care of that one! LOL! I'm sure Eric thought we were all crazy for getting so excited and dancing like a bunch of hillbillies. I remember Eric really getting a kick out of what we did to Scott's chase car, including the paper cup anemometer and the simulated hail (straight from the ice machine). I'm glad I have those recent memories of Eric.

Eric, you'll be there with each of us as we stand with our backs to the inflow, facing the storm.

[cdcollura]

This is really, really sad stuff, guys...

Eric was a great guy ... I wish the best to his soul and family.

I have been going through many chase logs the past couple of months, some as far back as 1999-2000, Eric in most of them.

I really do not know what else to say, gets me very choked up.

[Donald Giuliano]

Both my wife and I were shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news. My wife had taken a number of classes with him while at OU and knew him personally; as for myself, I primarily knew of him as a chaser, and like many others was wowed by his Mulvane shots.

His family must be going through a very rough time right now, I hope and pray they experience peace and healing.

[Benjamin Smith]

My families thoughts and prayers go out to Eric's family and friends. You will be missed!

[Melissa Moon]

I never had the opportunity to know Eric personally (though I had seen him sporadically around OU from time to time), but I know how well-reputed he was around the chase community, how talented he was at chasing and storm photography/videography, and most imporantly of all how good of a friend he was to those who did have the priviledge of being close friends with him.

Despite never having known Eric, I am deeply saddened with what has happened.

I just want all of you who were close to Eric know that my heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to you, and also that you are in my prayers. May God show his love to each of you through this difficult time.

[Dean L. Cosgrove]

I hope Eric has found the peace he was unable to find on earth.

I will remember him , his family and other friends in my prayers.

May you all have the strength to get through this tragedy.

I wanted to share the following in hopes it might also offer some comfort to Eric's family and friends.

After a loss a few months ago a good friend suggested I listen to a song by Brooks & Dunn called "Believe".

from the song : (Chorus)
"I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
Oh i believe"

Another song that helped is called " See You On The Other Side " by Ozzy Osbourne.

from the lyrics :

"I was down, but now Im flying
Straight across the great divide
I know you're crying, but Ill stop you crying
When I see you, I see you on the other side
Yes. Ill see you. see you on the other side
Im gonna see you. see you on the other side
God knows Ill see you, see you on the other side, yeah"

I think we manage to move on with our lives after a loss in part because we know our friends who have passed on to Heaven would want us to ..... until we see them again "on the other side"

Dean Cosgrove

[Chris Nuttall]

I also met Eric in 2002 or 2003. We were classmates in the met. program at OU. I had seen him in the field several times before and always admired his photography skills. I remember pulling up next to him somewhere in Texas on April 5, 2003. He had lost a couple of side windows on his van to hail. There was also a dead pelican in the road. I'll try to find this video for whoever is producing the tribute on the Storms of 2007 DVD.

You could never mistake that van of his going down the road...that hail guard sticking out from the roof...the instruments on top. I always thought, "Man, that's got to be a sweet ride for a chase!"

Eric and I were partners for an term project in a Technical Writing class a few years ago, and I saw a lot of him in the old "Map Room" in SEC.

I was in that Technical Writing group, too. Jeff, I still think I have all of our work saved somewhere. That was one of the funnest projects I think I ever did in college. I also remember him working on all those GEMPAK maps for hours...the Friday Night GEMPAK parties in the old SEC Maproom.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Eric's friends and family.

[Paul Stofer]

http://www.stormpursuit.com/pictures/structure/storm6.jpg
There you go - April 5th 2003..

Here are a couple more from this season of Eric

http://www.stormpursuit.com/pictures/structure/05230702.jpg

http://www.stormpursuit.com/pictures/chasevehicles/05230701.jpg

[Amos Magliocco]

All,

We're making fast progress on securing a location and date for the chaser gathering to remember Eric. This will take place in Norman Oklahoma and almost certainly on a Saturday late afternoon/evening. We could have an announcement within 24 hours of a specific date and time.

As well, we're working toward the rapid creation of a foundation at OU to support an annual scholarship in Eric's name. Many have asked about charities or where to send gifts; the foundation will be that place and we'll have information about how to donate just as soon as we can. Please thank OU students Bob Fritchie and Rachael Sigler for handling these tasks in the midst of their own grieving.

Amos

[Howard Robinson]

I am sorry to hear about Eric's passing, while I didn't get to met Eric in person, I did get to see the work he did. He will be missed and his family is in my prayers.

[Joey Ketcham]

I thought I would pass this along, Chuck Doswell wrote a very nice tribute to Eric Nguyen..

http://www.flame.org/~cdoswell/chasesums/Eric_Nguyen.html

[Karen Politte]

Eric's passing marks the end of an Era. I only hope that he was comfortable throughout it and knew (as I am sure he did) just how much he was loved and had inspired those around him in the chase community and beyond. As we have seen - the world over is replete with condolencies and respect for this man's amazing life.

I am empty as far as thoughts, writings or messages - all I have has been laid out here or on my Blog or homepage. The only last thing I can add to the public outpouring of emotion at what happened to Eric is a very simple, very heartfelt, and very personal note that I received last night from my father in Scotland. My dad met Eric once during our May 4th/5th Plains excursion in 2007;
__________________________________________________ ___________

So sorry about your news. There is a time and a place for everyone. This has no doubt been Eric's time and place just like Rosy had her time & place & I too wil have that time eventually. I only met Eric briefly but life is so precious for the young in this world - without you there is no tomorrow.

I have been around for a long time (57 years to be exact) but we all have our life to lead. Sometimes that life is short sometimes it goes on until 90+. My main concern is to make sure that your love is felt with all you meet. I am sure that Eric found out about this before his life was over.

God bless you all

W. Leszke xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
__________________________________________________ _____________________

[Damon Poole]

I met Eric briefly at one or two of Scott Blair's chase gatherings in Little Rock. Very sorry to hear about this loss. My sincerest condolences to all of Eric's friends here on ST. He is, and will be missed, and very fondly remembered by all in this community, both as a chaser, and as a photographer, and as a friend.

God Bless.

DCP2

[Jeff Lawson]

http://www.jefflawson.net/wx/eric_lp.jpg

When we crested the hill and looked over our shoulders to see this storm behind us in all its glory, I remember Eric shouting, "This is the most incredible storm I've ever seen!" He could barely contain his excitement.

Of all the photos I have of Eric, this is the one I can't stop looking at. A moment like this is what he lived for. And boy, did he live.

EDIT: I've gotten some questions about the date and location for this photo... it was shot near Mosquero, NM on June 3, 2003. You can see Eric's photos from the day here: http://www.mesoscale.ws/03-documents/030603.htm

[Phillip Hurlbut]

I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. I didn’t know Eric very well, but I was on a first name basis with him, and we would acknowledge each other whenever we saw each other around the School of Meteorology or out chasing in the field.

I knew of Eric’s stellar chasing reputation before I ever had the honor of meeting him. I would go to his website and check out all his wonderful pictures. Some of my favorites include his pictures from June 10th, 2004, May 29th, 2004, June 12, 2004 (Mulvane, KS), and the pictures of hail dents he has from the June 22nd, 2003 storm near Aurora, NE. If someday I can take storm photos that are even half as good as Eric’s, I’ll feel extremely blessed.

Another thing I can say about Eric was that he was always very nice to me. He was a couple years ahead of me in the meteorology program at OU, and sometimes upper classmen aren’t very nice to the lower classmen, but Eric was always very nice to me and I am very thankful for that. That seems to be the general consensus about him in the chaser community: what a great guy he was. Last March, when Brad Delp, the singer of the band Boston passed away, he was called “the nicest guy in rock and roll.” I can say the same thing about Eric, he was definitely one of, if not the nicest guy in the chaser community.

My prayers are with Eric’s family and friends during this difficult time. It is my hope that the Lord comforts you with your deep loss.

[Kurt Hulst]

I wish i had a better picture of Eric but this is all i could find. I also have video of one of his ballons going through my timelapse of a sunset and storm June 28th.

http://www.midwestchasers.com/2005/June/28/SN.jpg

[KMcCallister]

Eric Nguyen touched the lives of everybody involved in storm chasing as well as the OU meteorology community. I met Eric on a clear sky bust day back in about 2000 or 2001. He was kind enough invite an outsider to go eat with him and his fellow chasers. His kindness more than anything else encouraged me to become more involved in the chase community. His amazing success as a storm chaser has helped motivate many people, showing what was possible in storm chasing.


Since meeting Eric, I had the privilege of running into him about 20 more times over the years. Most of those were chase days gone bad, a few chaser picnics, and a few times in the maproom in Sarkeys. Over the years, I have began to look forward to chase seasons mostly for storms of course, but part of me misses the people I only see on the Plains watching storms. Whenever I tell people that, the first person on the list of people I hope to run across again has been Eric for a long time.


What I really appreciated about Eric was his passionate enthusiasm for meteorology. Few people have this kind of passion for something. This kind of enthusiasm is infectious and beautiful. Storm chasing seemed to be very much about storms for Eric. This is what I remember most vividly about Eric. Of course, nobody will forget that he was meteorology's greatest photographer. Though I did not know Eric well, I'll never forget the what I learned from Eric from his success, kindness, and class.


Kenneth McCallister

[Richard Halter]

:( As no one knows what goes through a person's mind inspite of outward appearances, it stuns to lose someone who was so well thought of and had such great talents and a future so bright.

My prayers go out to everyone impacted by this tragic event.

[Glenn Dixon]

I will always remember the day my wife and I were stopped on Hwy. 380 somewhere between Denton and McKinney during one of our earliest chases. We couldn't help but notice this strange car across the road with all sorts of odd gadgets on the roof. Eventually the car drove over to our side of the highway and Eric introduced himself and we talked for awhile. This was sometime in 1998 I believe. He eventually began chasing with Steve Miller, Blair Kooistra and myself and eventually Amos, Scott Blair and many others.

Like others have shared, I was also privileged to be welcomed into both his family's home in Haltom City and his parent's home. I can only imagine their pain and loss.

I found several photos of those early days in my chasing history which include Eric, and he usually wasn't very far from his white Honda. I believe the opening seconds of this video I put together in 1999 shows that car in its most extreme state of gadgetry.

http://slightrisk.com/1999.rm

I will post the pics and slides I found as soon as I get a clean copy scanned in.

And to Eric, a parting word: "No, YOU da namda!"

May he rest in peace.

[Eric Treece]

I'll never forget hooking up with Scott Blair, Dr. Jason Persoff and Eric and a couple of others on a chase in near Vernon, TX and the dinner at Dennys afterward in 2001. It was the only chase I had the privilage of chasing with him. Words cannot describe how surreal this feels to me. I can't imagine how this must feel to his friends and family. My thoughts are with you all......Rest in peace Eric.

[cdcollura]

Good day all,

http://www.sky-chaser.com/drawing/ericn07.jpg

I hope Eric is chasing and enjoying himself wherever he is now.

He should not "rest in peace" - But CHASE his butt off "in peace"!

Too many good memories chasing with Eric with myself and others in my trips to the plains over the years.

Everytime I eat at Pizza Hut now I get sad as that was his favorite place and we had many many lunches and dinners there whenever I chased with Eric.

I am still shocked that he is gone...

[Jim Bishop]

When I first heard Eric was in the hospital, I was completely shocked, but didn't want to believe he would actually pass on. I guess I was in denial and truly hoped he'd pull through. When I heard of his passing the other day I was filled with sadness, pain and anger.

Eric was a very unique individual. I spoke to him many times during my time at OU, mostly 2003-2004 in the map room or study lounge, and even went out for a beer a time or two. But the thing that sticks out the most is how many times I bumped into him on a storm chase out of state!

When chasing with my friend Simon Brewer, we'd often times see Eric in his chase van in Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and even Montana! I always admired Eric for sharing the same passion I have for storm chasing and making that long drive for that great storm. Eric truly had a passion for weather and it is really hard to see him pass, knowing I'll never again bump into him on a chase. There will forever be a hole in the chasing community.

My deepest condolences to Eric's family.

[mikegeukes]

I never met Eric, only knew him, a few times he visit our chat room, in the early years. He will be miss, my prayers go out to his family and friends that knew him.

Mike

[Graham Butler]

I arrived back into the country late Sunday night and learned this devastating news. I am still having a very tough time comprehending this tragedy.

I remember back when I first stumbled my way into the chatroom world of #stormchase in 2001 and EricN’s name was not only the most memorable but the nicest. He treated me like I was a lifelong friend and offered up his AIM screenname without me having to ask. It wasn’t long before I was invited up to his house for a chaser “gathering”, December 13th 2001 if I recall correctly, and was shown the light. Not only was I privileged to view his precious video and slides but he made sure I was included. It wasn’t but a few hours until Eric noticed how “hole” free my vehicle was and immediately started dreaming up ways to mount gear to my car. He later proved his ability to alter vehicles by masterminding Scott Blair’s hail shield. Despite this impressive display of workmanship my vehicle managed to avoid the drill and before long the trip was over; but boy did it leave me with memories. I will never forget Eric’s first encounter with the infamous blue drinks, the entertaining van ride home (Eric was not the driver), followed by his introduction to Crown Royal. His love for DOTD and that silly volleyball with the handprint will always stick in my mind. In recent years it was nothing more than a quick chat on AIM, or a wave while chasing, but he always had a smile on his face. It was that smile that gave you a glimpse into a fun, caring, and approachable guy.

We have lost not only a great meteorologist but a great person.

Graham Butler

http://www.darkskyproductions.com/eric/IMG_1167.jpg

http://www.darkskyproductions.com/eric/IMG_1177.jpg

[Lisa Wadlow]

My sympathy to his family and friends and everyone in the chaser community who's been affected by this loss.

[Linda Kitchen]

I just want to say that the world has lost a wonderful storm photographer. I always loved his photos. I hope his family and friends find comfort in knowing how highly he was respected. My prayers and thoughts are with them. He was so young, he was born the same year as my second son. It's tragic.

[Jonathan Merage]

To my great regret, I never knew Eric personally but remember hearing of him & his awesome chases on more occasions than I can count. Along with so many here, I felt deeply saddened to hear of his passing. His excellent photography, academic skill and radiant personality has & will continue to be a great inspiration for anyone who truly understands what it means to live with passion. My condolences go to his family, close friends & colleagues.

[Glenn Dixon]

some pics I have managed to scan so far:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/1365061225_9d674d08d9_b.jpghttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/1365059887_f12da69c34_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1173/1365956478_85ede92795_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/1365062029_76350cb885_b.jpg

[Mike Birbeck]

I have never met Eric Nguyen but, as a frequent visitor to this forum, his intelligence and fine perception of meteorology plus his outstanding photography always impressed me and brought me back to learn more. He was someone that seemed to make the Stormtrack community pretty special.

That a young man of his obvious talent and intelligence should pass away thus is incomprehensible. One's thoughts can only be with his family and friends at such an unhappy time.

[Mike Peregrine]

My deepest sympathies to all those touched by this sad event. It is heart-breaking.

Some more thoughts on this loss here (http://stormseason.blogspot.com/2007/09/eric-nguyen.html).

[Chris C Sanner]

Wow, having never known Eric (until reading this thread at least) this still hits pretty hard. This is a terrible situation for all involved and it's something I pray daily no one has to go through. Prayers will and are being lifted up for everyone close with Eric. Remember him, cherish the memories and most of all honor him and his legacy. He was truly what being a storm chaser should be. :(

[Justin Teague]

My thoughts and prayers go out to Eric's friends and family. It sounds like he was a very unique and talented individual.

[Laura Duchesne]

Wow... I just got to this thread today, and I am really shocked and sad. I really don't know what to say, questions are running through my mind. I never met him in person, but I believe he was in chat a few times. He seemed like such a great guy, I wish I could have met him before. His photos are incredible and they will always be cherished. My condolences go out to his family and friends. May there be lots of storms in heaven for him to chase.

[Jeff Snyder]

As a reminder, click the following for more information:

Eric Nguyen Chaser Gathering Details (http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13672)

Donations to Eric Nguyen Endowed Scholarship (http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13663)

[davecarlsen]

Wow.
Words cannot say--and I never had the honour of meeting the man.
The chasing world is richer for having known him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.

[Andrew Khan]

It has taken me long to reply, getting over what has befallen the earth. I always admired Eric Nguyen, as he was my inspiration to begin chasing four years ago, in fact. His photographs, reports, livelyhood and spirit were all I needed...and amazing. Great spirit for chasing it seemed and felt. I will miss his being, and pity that I was unable to ever meet him.

[Mike Umscheid]

I have written a few notes on my own website, www.underthemeso.com, about this loss to our storm chasing community. On a blog post I wrote, I recollected the same storms we chased with a comparison of storm images... it's amazing how many of the same storms I chased as Eric, yet only had the opportunity to be at a road intersection or some sort of other chaser convergence that I had the opportunity to see and chat with Eric just once... and coincidentally enough, that was a bust! Anyway, I was indeed stunned like the rest of the community, and I offered my condolences to my friends Scott Blair, Scott Currens, and Amos on their loss.

[HAltschule]

Sad and tragic indeed. Condolences to his family and friends. I hope his sons will deal with this huge loss as well as they can. THEY are the ones that need to be in our prayers. I have read about the scholarhsip and such but what about his boys? There was mention that he had 2 sons. I don't know anything about them or the situation, but shouldn't a scholarship be established for them...for college one day??

[Gaetan Cormier]

What can I say?

I just learned about this terrible news, I did not have the chance to drop by Stormtrack for the last 2 or 3 weeks and now I see this terrible news. I'm very sad to hear about this. I did not know him at all, but is images are legendary!

May he rest in peace.

[Helge Tuschy]

I'm very depressed to hear those news and my condolences go out to his family and friends. I will never forget his famous and outstanding photos and although I've never met him in the USA I read enough chasing reports and stories to see that we have lost a very good chaser / friend and meteorologist.
You will be missed by many chasers here in Europe!
Good bye Eric,


Helge

[George Tincher]

I simply don't know what to say. This is shocking. I haven't been keeping up with the board or the chat much the past couple of weeks and I just learned of his passing. This is just so terribly sad.

I have never met Eric in person, though I did get to chat with him a great deal back in the 2001 and 2002 timeframe when he was so active in weather chat. And I have also followed his posts here and his chase reports. Chasers and weather enthusiasts are a relatively small, yet close knit group. So when something happens to a member of that community, it's effects are heavily felt by everyone.

Like most others have described, he always came across as a highly knowledgeable and dedicated chaser. He was also a very nice, well mannered and helpful person. I'm sure I probably learned quite a few valuable severe weather forecasting tips from his discussions.

This is just all really hard to believe. I mean everyone is describing him in the same way. Everyone has mentioned how nice he was, how outgoing, how caring and concerned. He was very intelligent. He loved what he did and had a tremendous passion for it. He seemed to have everything going for him and so much to live for. And Amos, I am sure you know these things better than me or anyone else here so this has to be really tough on you. How could a man who cares so much for others do something like this to himself? There's never any answers to these kind of questions. But perhaps it is people like this who feel so much for others, sensitive, caring people, who also hurt the worst on the inside and often keep things bottled up, so as to not "worry" anyone else with their problems. I have found many times that people with Eric's traits spend all of their time worrying about the well being of everyone else while giving little thought to themselves. That makes his loss so much harder to accept, because there just aren't a surplus of genuinly nice people out there in today's world that seek to put the needs of others before their own.

Again, I am terribly saddened to learn of this tragedy. I will pray for his family and friends. Amos, that includes you as well my friend. And if you ever just need someone to chat with, I'll be here man. Dealing with something like this is never an easy thing to do and you'll carry this pain for the rest of your life. But sometimes simply talking about things when your mind fills up with thoughts, memories and those "why" questions that frequently come around can be quite helpful, much like you have done in this thread. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and with Eric's family.

-George

[Joe Zemek]

This is so sad.

I met Eric once, along with Amos, for a few minutes at a diner in Lamar CO on June 3, 2005. As someone who does not live in the Alley and does not chase often enough to regularly meet other chasers, I felt lucky to meet someone who was clearly one of the most passionate and gifted chasers. Since getting into chasing I have marveled at how often Eric's name is at the bottom of an amazing photograph.

My thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family and friends, and some thoughts I must put here. Not knowing Eric or his situation I can't really say anything substantive except this: it is so important to keep tabs on people who are going through a rough time. Guys especially will bottle things up until it all comes out at once, and often that is too much to handle. Some people are experts at hiding these feelings because they do not want to burden their family and friends. If you know someone going through a rough period, any major life change, please ask them how they are doing even if they seem alright. I know this can't always prevent this terrible outcome, but it must be said.

Also, statistics show that Eric's children will be at enhanced risk of suicide attempts in their teen years. In time they will need to hear from their mom and all of you close to them that they do not need to go through what their father did. They need to know that others will be there for them no matter what they are feeling inside, that they are loved and worthy of love no matter what.

May God be with you all as you go through this time of sadness and loss, and may happy memories of Eric's amazing life ease the pain.

[Amos Magliocco]

Jim Reed asked me to post this on his behalf.



http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb01.jpg

Eric Nguyen – The Professional
by Jim Reed

On Sunday, September 9, 2007, storm chaser and JRP contributor Eric Nguyen passed away. He was 29-years old and leaves behind a wife, Nina, and two boys, Sean, 11, and Chris, 9. He held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma.

Eric’s sudden death has stunned the storm chasing community, leaving many of us crippled with disbelief and the heart-breaking challenge of healing from a head-on collision with the incomprehensible. Eric was young, artistic, proficient, and one of JRP’s most popular and accomplished weather shooters. Professionally, he was a rising star.



WORKING TOGETHER

In an effort to help fellow storm chasers get their work seen by worldwide photo editors, I tried to mentor a variety of promising weather photographers from 2004 through 2006.

Eric was one of the first individuals I ever represented – and certainly one of my favorites. He was an agent’s dream. Eric consistently created high-quality imagery, he provided details for captioning, he responded to inquiries quickly, and he was a low-maintenance team player who always said, “thank you.”

For nearly three years, JRP photo editor Katherine Bay and I had the privilege of editing, cleaning, processing, and preparing Eric’s images for others to see.

Of the 27 photographers I tried to help, Eric’s images frequently commanded the strongest interest of JRP clients. At times, Eric’s work was even selected over mine, but I didn’t care because he was such a truly nice guy.

In 2004, Accord Publishing chose a tornado image captured by storm chase partner Katherine Bay and I for the cover of their 2005 Weather Guide Calendar. A few days before going to press, however, a tornado struck Mulvane, Kansas and changed everything.

Meteorologist Jon Davies and I documented the picturesque twister from the south, looking north. Eric was on the north side of the tornado, looking south. With the click of a shutter, Eric’s professional life was about to change in a very big way.

Known by many storm chasers as the “Mulvane Tornado,” the image Eric captured on June 12, 2004 has become his most iconic image: a hauntingly white tornado, beautifully front-lit by the setting sun, tragically destroying a house, with a rainbow off to one side (Image 1).



http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb07%281%29.jpg
Image 1.




The stunning image launched Eric’s worldwide stock photo calling. Seeing the photo, Accord smartly pulled the image shot by Kate and me and replaced it with Eric’s masterpiece (Image 2). Eric and I joked about it for quite some time and, despite losing the cover, I was delighted to have my images next to his in the calendar. This began what I can only describe as a kindred-like colleagueship with Eric. I always looked forward to receiving Eric’s newest photos because I knew they would inspire and challenge me.




http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb09%281%29.jpg
Image 2.




Eric was one of the few photographers I had on both speed dial and smart mailbox, and we spoke regularly. But the running gag between us was that we could never seem to meet in person – even while covering the very same storm.

We came close to rendezvousing on June 24, 2004 while documenting an outbreak of tornadoes in Turner County, South Dakota. A twister had hurled chunks of debris onto our only road north. Several of us jumped out of our chase vehicles and teamed-up to try and clear the lanes. Without recognizing each other, Eric and I literally cleared the road together, side-by-side (Image 3).



http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb03%281%29.jpg
Image 3.




Days later, Eric and I laughed about our close encounter and again asked, would we ever meet in person?



ERIC TURNS PRO

Few weather enthusiasts can truthfully call themselves professional storm chasers; even fewer are internationally published weather photographers. Eric was both.

One of my proudest offerings to Eric was helping him get published for the first time in National Geographic (Image 4) and Time Magazine. I will never forget how excited he sounded over the phone.



http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb08%281%29.jpg
Image 4.



But perhaps one of the happiest reactions I got from Eric was when I notified him that I was negotiating to have one of his photos used in a book for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (like myself, he was an enthusiastic space fan).

Eric’s images were so widely popular that I frequently found myself negotiating on his behalf while literally storm chasing or driving into a hurricane. But our relationship was about more than just rights-managed licenses and royalty statements. It was also about developing a friendship and mutually inspiring each other to become better photographers.

While working together, I watched proudly as Eric amassed a who’s who of well-deserved publishing credits, among them: CNN, Dorling Kindersley, Esquire Magazine, Harper Collins, Houghton-Mifflin, McGraw-Hill, NASA, Marshall Cavendish, National Geographic, Parents Magazine, Rand McNally, Smithsonian Magazine, Time, and W. W. Norton.



http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb02%281%29.jpg
Eric was one of four storm chasers selected to appear for two years on CNN's
popular Storm Chasers and Tornado Web page.



Eric’s work was popular overseas as well, especially in Australia, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Eric’s weather images will be used to teach students of all ages in a variety of science books for many years to come.



TIME TO MOVE ON

Earlier this year I had to painfully, and begrudgingly, give up representing fellow storm chasers because of the rising demands and rigors of my own shooting, writing, and travel schedule. It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made.

Eric was one of only a handful who thanked me for my efforts and later sent me an email saying, “If you ever want to represent my work again, I’d love to have you back.”

Eric’s note touched me like no other. The words “I’d love to have you back” jabbed at my heart. How could I abandon such magical talent? I wondered.

Before retiring as a photo agent, I energetically lobbied for Corbis Images, the second largest photo agency in the world, to offer our talented shooters contracts of their own.

Out of our 27 storm chasers, Corbis offered personal contracts to only three. Eric was one of them.



http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb10.jpg
Image 5.



My final project with Eric was negotiating the cover image for Jon Davies’ popular new book for kids, “Storm Chasers: On the Trail of Twisters” for Farcountry Press released over the summer. Eric shot the cover photo of a tornado (Image 5).



ONE FINAL CHASE

On June 6, 2007 I was on-assignment for a client to photograph storm chasers Reed Timmer and Joel Taylor. Before storms fired, we stopped in Valentine, Nebraska for a bite to eat. Noticing a chaser convergence in the parking lot of one of the local hotels, we couldn’t resist and bounced into the lot.

I climbed out of our storm chase vehicle and began taking pictures, then paused, as if being watched. I turned. A young man squeezed out of a vehicle and stepped forward with a welcoming smile.

“I’m Eric,” he said.

Finally, and for the first time in our careers, we were meeting in person! Eric and I hugged like a couple of old college roommates, and then enthusiastically shook hands, happily hamming it up for Kate’s camera.


http://www.jimreedphoto.com/users/JimReed1208/Image//ericweb05%281%29.jpg
Eric Nguyen (left) and Jim Reed in Valentine, Nebraska on June 6, 2007.


“Can you believe this?! We’re actually meeting -- in person!” I hollered with a smile normally reserved for getting an assignment with National Geographic.

And then the world turned upside-down.

On Labor Day I received a phone call telling me Eric was in a Texas hospital I.C.U. in a coma. He had attempted suicide following a long battle with depression and was not expected to live.

Six days later, Eric was gone.

There would be no more handshakes.

No more phone calls.

No more photographs.

For the past 12 days I have been clandestinely grieving for my fellow professional and kindred spirit.

Tonight I sent an email to Heaven.

It says simply,

“I’d love to have you back.”


Links:

Eric Nguyen September 22 Memorial Storm Chaser Gathering (http://www.ericnguyengathering.com/)
Eric Nguyen Endowed Scholarship (http://www.ericnguyengathering.com/scholarship.php)
Eric Nguyen Original Web Site (http://www.mesoscale.ws/)

[Mikey Gribble]

I haven't been checking stormtrack lately and I just found out about this sad news. Eric was always one of the names that came to mind when I thought of who the elite storm chasers were. My heart goes out to his family and friends that are dealing with this.

[Randall Roy Chamberlain]

First of all my deepest sympathy to Eric's family and friends, I can only add my shock and my sadness as so many of the fellow stormchasers have mentioned on Stormtrack.

I didn't meet Eric myself either, but from the pictures and comments all of you have said about Eric. He would've been a class act to meet...

Eric may you rest in peace and only find the biggest hail and biggest 'naders' that we can only dream of. Even though I didn't meet you Eric the next thunderstorm I'm in I'll dedicate it to you. Ride that RFD wind.. ride on.

Randy Chamberlain

[Martin North]

Very sorry to hear about this...

Though I didn't know Eric...as an avid stormchaser and student of our convective skies, I knew of Eric and his involvement in chasing and his photography et al.

My thoughts are with his family and personal friends.

[John Mason]

It is with deep sadness that I read of the loss of such a young talent as this.

My thoughts go out to Eric's family and friends. I lost a good friend myself, about ten years ago, in similar circumstances and at a similar age, and know the crazy mixture of emotions that arises, from firsthand.

Eric's work, amongst others on your side of the Atlantic, was an inspiration to someone starting out in weather-photography over here in the UK.

Thanks for that, Eric.

John

[Jeff Miller]

..........

[Karen Politte]

I post this because I will never forget Eric. None of us will. It has been over a week since this terrible news, and we are still thinking of Eric and what has happened every minute of every day. It is still too recent to not hurt.

The monumental outpouring of grief, well-wishing, arrangements for the Scholarship and Gathering, friends leaning on friends......all this is evidence of the man Eric Nguyen was. The silence that the chaser community has fallen under, the painful realization that we have indeed lost someone who embodied what we all strive to be......we should all listen to these signs and know how much Eric brought to our own lives and to the chaser community at large.

It is not getting any easier to accept Eric's passing, nor will it ever. Moreover, as Mike Peregrine wrote on his Blog (http://stormseason.blogspot.com/) about Eric, untimely losses such as this will never go away, never diminish, never be forgotten. They become a scar. A tender spot on each and every one of our hearts that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives no matter where we find ourselves or what we find ourselves doing. I know that the next time I'm scrabbling for my camera and struggling to hold my tripod down in RFD winds as that imposing elephant's trunk churns through a grassy plain before me with it's attendant robes of lashing grey rain, the rain won't be the only thing that's coursing down my face. We all know that we will find the essence of Eric's great life and works out there on the Plains. I will never forget how lucky we are that we remain here to appreciate such things.

Huge thanks and gratitude must go to those amongst us who have worked so hard underneath the enormous burden of losing someone so close. Amos, Bob & Rachael and all others who so effectively and decisively gave us the Scholarship and the Gathering as ways to give thanks for and honor Eric's life and memory. We must also never forget the wider circle of close friends who grieve to this day and will forever on the passing of such a friend as Eric; Amos, Scott B., Jason, Bob, Rachael, Scott C. ........all people who shared this special thing called friendship with Eric.

I never did get to chase with Eric. That's something I will always regret. But I do feel I knew him well. I will never forget giving him a ride to dinner back in March this year during Scott B.'s wedding......he and Jason and I must have laughed so hard we were winded before we went in to eat. We talked politics. We talked weather. We talked life. We talked philosophy. Eric regaled us with his Agent Smith impersonations. It was a rare time, a rare moment in this life where you were able to catch up with someone that you - painfully - realized you hadn't been in touch with enough lately.

Just wanted to share some more thoughts as the days have gone by......hopefully the gathering in Norman this weekend will allow us express our closeness with Eric, and cement our closeness with so many friends who we haven't seen in so long.

KL

[John Farley]

I would also like to extend my condolences to Eric's friends and family. Although I did not know him beyond a casual meeting or two at large chaser events and through his internet postings, it is obvious from all that has been posted here that he was a very special person.

Things like this are very difficult to comprehend. Several years ago, a very popular and outgoing individual in my ski club took his life - a total shock to all of us left behind. Sometimes you just can't see it coming.

[Perry Williams]

I just learned this afternoon, and am both stunned and saddened beyond belief. :( Several years ago, I lost a lifelong friend in the same tragic manner far too soon. My most humble condolences to Eric's precious family, friends, and fellow chasers.

May God bless,
Perry

[Amos Magliocco]

Shawn Camp asked me to pass this along to Stormtrack.

Dear fellow chasers and others

like you and most people words cannot express the greif and sorrow that we're all feeling over this terrible loss. I knew Eric and chased with him on a few occations and I still ask myself Why ???? but with this question I hear my mother tell me Remember the good times. I didn't know Eric as well as others but the pain radiates in me as much as it does in many others trust me and Eric gave me many things that I will cherrish forever and one of them is to continue to be a Better chaser and Forecaster and better at the Meteorology as a whole. Eric has left many lasting impressions. But now he is chasing on a higher plain and he will always be with us Forever. When the wind blows wild, when the Lightning and thunder roar across the sky just think of Eric man oh man did he love to see Nature put on a show !!! and some of us were there to see it with him.

Shawn C.

[Bob Fritchie]

Steve Vanderburg, a close friend of Eric wrote these words to express his feelings regarding the loss. I add these to this thread with his permission.

I've (we've) lost a dear friend today. Most people knew Eric Nguyen as one of the greatest chasers and storm photographers of all-time... but to me, Eric Nguyen was a great friend! We spent nearly every waking hour together Soph, Jr, and Sr years at OU working on meteorological problem sets, getting into trouble, and just plain havin' fun. From impersonating Billy Mays in Wal-Mart, to late night Chili's Chips N' Queso Runs (and runs to Los Dos Amigos for Sopapillas), to long days and nights spent in the grad lounge at Sarkey's Energy Center, to post-chase meetings at Pizza Hut, to hearing that familiar voice say "KD5HPZ Mobile" over the radio, I have so many great memories of the time we spent together during our college years. It's been a particularly rough day for me, despite the fact that I've had a week to prepare for this news. Words cannot describe the sense of loss. It tore me up knowing that I would be unable to be there by Eric's side during those final moments, but I'm forever grateful that Bob, Rachael, Amos, and both Scotts were there to make sure that he did not pass from this life alone and without a hand to hold. Eric, I'll never forget the great times we had, the frequent laughs we enjoyed, and the camaraderie we shared during these last 5 years. Your spirit lives on through all those whose lives you've touched. I'll miss you!

[Amos Magliocco]

We have agreed with NWC for a noon Friday (9-21) deadline for people to RSVP to the Saturday get-together in Norman. This is necessary for security reasons and the printing of nametags, and to give us an idea of how much food to buy. If you don't RSVP, it's unlikely you'll be able to get in.

For those who have RSVP'd already, please remember to bring a valid form of I.D. (drivers license, etc) to gain entrance to the NWC. Like we mentioned before, the university has kindly donated this space and time free of charge and we want to respect their few conditions. The get-together begins at 5:00 PM on Saturday Sept 22.

Here's the place to RSVP:

http://ericnguyengathering.com/rsvp.php

Thanks, all.

[Philip Flory]

Man... I feel terrible. I haven't had a chance to log on ST in a few weeks due to being so busy and was completely unaware of this or I definently would have headed down to Norman for the gathering.

I had known Eric since I was about 13 years old. He was probably the first chaser I had any communication with and was always very open to talking with me despite the fact I was so young. Eric taught me countless things about metorology and even helped put together my chase vehicle when I turned 16. We used to talk quite regularly on AIM and I usually would try to drop in and visit with him anytime I was going thru the OKC area. He was quite honestly my biggest idol growing up and I really looked up to him when I was younger and too young to chase. He was also an extremely intelligent and smart individual. I hadn't talked to Eric in a few months and was wondering what he was up to.

R.I.P

[Bill Tabor]

Well...somehow I missed all of this and am just now reading this thread and learning of Eric's passing. Obviously this is a shock. I didn't know Eric personally, but I definitely knew of him, and his passion for storms, and his top notch photography skills. From what I read, I really missed out. It would have been great to know him. For instance I too love hitting Pizza Hut's after a storm.

While I never knew him I know our paths likely crossed and paralleled many times. Certainly even this last year near the Seymore Wedge and at Tulia we were nearly a stone's throw, and how many more times has this happened? Perhaps there were times he was parked across or just down the street while observing a storm, and likely we have passed while going to nearby storm targets. Certainly Eric was a Brother of the Sky, and a kindred soul.

To all of you who knew Eric well I can say I have been through a similar instance so I know how you feel. About 14 years ago I lost one of my best friends and adventure companions the same way. It never makes sense - ever..no matter how long. I'm sorry, but you will always feel that missing part of you, that person you've shared and experienced some great adventures with. With time there are more distractions, and while you may not think of them all the time, your mind will always wonder back and you will ask 'Why?'. All I can say is love the times you had, and toast to the guy. Carry on and live your life the way Eric would have wanted you to. Live it in the spirit of what you shared with him, and every once in a while during that perfect storm - perhaps while you are alone, remember him.

Eric - to you I say Bravo!! May we meet on another day, 'on a distant shore, by the wings of dreams...through an open door'.

To Eric's friends, family, and chase community I offer my condolences and heartfelt sympathy. His presence will no doubt be missed, and we are now diminished....

[Mark Farnik]

I, too, have just learned of Eric's tragic and untimely passing. While having never met him personally, I am very much aware of his tremendous reputation and had a great amount of respect for his photography skills and his forecasting abilities. His death is absolutely heartbreaking and I can only offer my sincerest condolences and prayers to all his friends, family and acquaintances.:(

I myself am intimately familiar with depression and suicide. I battled long-term depression from the time I was 8 until I was 15 and I attempted to take my own life in March of 2002 at the age of 12. Thankfully, I failed. I know what its like to feel completely and utterly hopeless and that life is too painful to keep on living. By the grace of God, my family, my friends and my faith kept me going and with their support and a long regimen of anti-depression medications, I was finally able to conquer it three years ago.
I also have lost a very close friend in this manner. The timing of Eric's passing is particularly ironic to me, because it was two years ago on Labor Day weekend, September 2, 2005, when my close friend Josh Mese took his own life at the very young age of 16. He was a lot like Eric: brilliant, charismatic, humble, caring, and witty. Like Eric, Josh was very well liked and respected, and like Eric, his passing was unexpected and devastating.
Like Bill said, the pain of losing someone in this manner never really goes away; it just kind of ebbs and flows. And it never, ever makes sense.

I don't know if anyone on ST is aware of this, but I'm an amateur singer/songwriter. The more I thought about this tragedy, the more compelled I felt to write a song to capture not just my feelings, but the feelings of the ST community as well.
So here it is, my tribute to a man who wasn't just an accomplished weather photographer and brilliant meteorologist; he was a great man whose presence will be terribly missed by all who had their lives touched by him and his work. His spirit will live on in all of us.
I hope this song does Eric justice and helps all of us to begin the healing process...

Chase the Wind



September morning


We lost a magnificent man


September morning


For reasons I don’t understand


My heart is heavy with grief


An explanation I just can’t find


You had so much to live for


Why did you leave it all behind?




Tears of anger falling like rain


Now you’re chasing on a higher plain


But you aren’t really gone


In our memories you’ll live on


Someday we’ll converge again


And together we’ll chase the wind




Time heals all wounds or so they say


Well I’ll tell you the truth


There are some wounds


That never go away


Life will go on, years will go by


But the passage of time will never diminish


The legacy of a life fully lived


From start to finish





Tears of sadness falling like rain


Now you’re chasing on a higher plain


But you aren’t really gone


In our memories you’ll live on


Someday we’ll converge again


And together we’ll chase the wind




Now when the lightning flashes


And the thunder cracks


When the wind is screaming


And the sky is pitch black


When the tornado shrieks


And the baseballs fall


I’ll hear a voice whisper


In the midst of it all:





Tears of gladness falling like rain


Now I’m chasing on a higher plain


I’m not really gone


In your memories I’m living on


Someday we’ll converge again


And together we’ll chase the wind




Warmest regards to all,

Mark W. Farnik

[Craig Maire II]

Fabian (fellow chaser from Chicago) just informed me about 30 minutes ago about what happened!:eek: I've been active on Storm Track but some how missed this! I too would like to say that words cannot describe how sad this makes me feel even though I never knew him, he was a fellow storm chaser :( My deepest thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to Eric, his family and all his many friends...

[Bill Tabor]

I write and sing a bit myself Mark. Very nice song lyrics and a great dedication to Eric IMO. I'd love to hear the song with instrumentation sometime.

[Robert Tarling]

Hello everyone,

I've only just come across this thread. It has been a sorrowing read for me.

My wife Zoe, our young son Luke, and I offer our sympathies and condolences to his family and friends, and all of those who have been affected.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Bob.

[Todd Rittinger]

I too am one who is just (sadly) discovering this thread. As has been echoed by others, I did not know Eric personally, but have benefited immensely from his imagery and digests and greatly respected his talent. My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends.

"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."

[Jim Zandonai]

Just saw the terrible news. I didnt know Eric personally but recognized his name because I had his page bookmarked on my computer for a long time.
I was amazed at the pictures he took . Incredible. I hate to see this happen to such a gifted individual with incredible potential but my heart goes out to all his family and friends. Definately an inspiration to us all.

[Glenn Rasmussen]

I didn't know Eric, but i knew his work. His photos are as amazing as the fact that he and Amos walked away from the Tulia tornado so recently. This is terrible news and my thoughts go out to his wife, kids, and extended family.

[Marcus Opitz]

My deepest condolences to him and his family. I was truly captivated by his mulvane footage.

[Michael James]

I don't frequent stormtrack very often these days, and only read about Eric's death this morning. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. I can't imagine dealing with something like this.

Eric was a classmate and at one point a student of mine, as I attempted to teach gempak scripting and product generation in an OU meteorology class. Eric quickly surpassed me in this department, and I ended up learning more from him than I think he ever learned from me. He was a very talented person all around - intellectually and artistically. Of the numerous chasers and photographers around this community, I admired his storm photography maybe more than anyone else.

[scott r currens]

I know that many of you only knew Eric through his photography. With that in mind I put together a 10-minute Youtube video so you can see and hear the Eric that was on the other side of that camera.

You can see the video on the front page of my website.
www.violentplains.com (http://www.violentplains.com)

[Tim Vasquez]

It shows how disconnected I've been the past few months that I did not find out about Eric until today. Unfortunately he is among the chasers I have never met, but I am very familiar with him and his work. It is really tragic that he left behind two young kids.

I have to say the support on Stormtrack is phenomenal... as administrator here it makes me proud. I participate in a number of other communities not related to weather, and I have to say that this is a place where we really do take care of each other. I was also happy to hear about the support he had in his final hours amongst chaser friends.

Tim

[Matt Grans]

Thanks Scott for posting the video on your site. I had been familiar with Eric's work and decided to find out more about him only to learn that he had passed two days prior. I look forward to seeing more about this individual in your video and send my condolences to all who are bereaved by his absence.

[Maggie Kahman]

I knew nothing of Eric, but I feel sooooo badly for his wife and two kids. I had a really dear friend taken from me in a car wreck a few years ago, and the pain that i felt is not something i will soon forget. My heart and my prayers are with his family and his friends.

[Patrick Ware]

Me deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Eric's family and friends.
How very tragic and sad.

Patrick

[Paul Austin]

I read this thread when it first appeared in near-disbelief. I want to offer my condolences. I can only echo what everyone else has stated. Tragic. I only knew his photography. My prayers are with the family.