Three meteorology students die after chasing a tornado

Three University of Oklahoma meteorology students were killed this weekend in a traffic accident while returning from chasing storms in Kansas, authorities reported.

Nicholas Nair, 20, a resident of Denton, Texas; Gavin Short, 19, a resident of Grayslake, Illinois; and Drake Brooks, 22, a resident of Evansville, Indiana, were killed when their vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer truck upstate, according to an accident report cited by Telemundo 51.

The tragic incident occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. Friday, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) report stated.

The three boys were traveling in a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV southbound on a highway. The vehicle skidded because of the wet road and went off the roadway to the right and back onto the highway until it stopped. Immediately, the van was struck by a truck traveling in the same direction, the report continues.

The truck driver was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.

Family and friends of the deceased youths paid a heartfelt tribute this Saturday, where they also highlighted the sense of humor that characterized the three young students.

"The university is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of three students. All were valued and beloved members of our community," the University of Oklahoma said in a statement.

The University's School of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences also issued a statement saying that "we all mourn this unthinkable anguish."

"Our community in Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences is close-knit, and our School of Meteorology is very much a family. Now, more than ever, we must unite in kindness and sincere support for one another. Please join us in offering thoughts and prayers for those most affected, and providing them with privacy," the statement said.