Matt Hughes' Death Memorialized in 'Storm Chasers' Episode
Nov. 4 2010, Published 5:59 a.m. ET
Matt Hughes, the star of Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers, died on May 26 at 30 years old. The news was mainly learned by fans during the Nov. 3 episode of the show, which paid tribute to the veteran meteorologist.
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The episode, "Dedication," showed Matt's final storm chase before his death in Wichita, Kan. Matt had two sons, Collin and Hunter, with his wife Kendra.
Wichita's ABC affiliate KAKE-TV, posted a blog from Matt's friends and colleagues on June 7 that told more of the tragic story of his death.
"Matt Hughes was taken to the hospital after trying to take his life," the blog states (via PopEater). "Matt was in the hospital for several days in intensive care, there was a 24 hour vigil outside the waiting room, family, other chasers, business associates, etc. I knew we were going to lose him. What a lot of us didn't know was that he suffered from depression."
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More than 500 people attended Matt's funeral, according to the blog.
"Matt was a young, vibrant, and resourceful man," Aaron Blaser, a reporter, wrote. "One who embodies the passion everyone should have doing something they love. He would do anything for anyone, would try to make everyone happy, would try to do a good job for someone ... and would never ask for anything in return."
Dicovery Channel has set up a memorial fund for Matt's sons.
Watch a preview of Matt's final episode below.