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A man sifts looks at his damaged home after a series of tornadoes June 1, 2013 in El Reno, Oklahoma/AFP

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Three storm chasers killed by Oklahoma tornado

“At the end of the day, he wanted to save lives and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for that,” he told The Denver Post.

But despite the big risks the storm chaser often took, Samaras was known to be very cautious and to pay attention to safety.

“He knew where not to be and in this case the tornado took a clear turn toward them,” Jim Samaras said.

Weather Channel anchor and meteorologist Mike Bettes had a close call himself in Oklahoma’s storms, and described them as highly unpredictable.

The tornado swept up the truck he was traveling in with a crew, throwing it 200 yards (meters) into a field and smashing it to the ground.

“I think this was just an erratic tornado. I think the size of it and the speed of it changed very, very quickly,” Bettes told CNN.

“I think the direction of movement changed quickly. And I think there were a lot of people out there that, you know, ended up getting stuck in positions we didn’t want to be in.”

Bettes said the frightening experience left him unsure of whether he would ever chase storms again.

In a post on Facebook four days before he died, Tim Samaras wished fellow storm chasers well.

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“Everyone enjoy the chase – and hope that tornadoes wander over open country,” he wrote.

“Most of all, I reflect and appreciate the freedom this incredible country has to offer, and the ultimate sacrifices so many have made to make it happen.”

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