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RENOWNED meteorologist Gary England who starred in the hit movie Twister has died at the age of 85.
England was a weatherman on the TV station KWTV for more than four decades before his retirement in 2013.
The meteorologist, from Oklahoma, died peacefully with his family by his side on June 10, as reported by the ABC affiliate KOCO-TV.
“Gary was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms,” his family said.
“He will be deeply and forever missed.”
England was the first weatherman to use Doppler radar when warning viewers about the risks of tornadoes.
The weatherman was known for his folksy-style of broadcasting and used to start his reports on Friday’s with the line “It’s Friday night in the big town.”
He made a cameo appearance in the 1996 film Twister, which starred Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. The movie was nominated for two Oscars.
England reported on the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado, which ripped through Oklahoma City.
Winds of more than 300 mph were reported and 36 people were killed.
“The sheer intensity and violence of it was unbelievable,” England told The Oklahoman.
“We saw the power lines down, and I knew there were people out there dying. It was not a fun evening.”
He warned those who were set to be most affected by the storm to shelter underground.
“Most of the people that died were right in the core of the tornado,” he said.
“It killed 40 or so people and injured 800 or so. Wow!
“But I love what I do and I’m still here.”
Tributes have poured in after news of the weatherman’s death emerged.
“The world lost a legendary meteorologist and even better man. He was such a great role model for any weather enthusiast,” storm chaser Brad Arnold posted on X.
Journalists have described England as a legend.
“The meteorology world has lost a legend. Gary England of Oklahoma,” Rusty Surette said.
“This man saved countless lives during tornadoes, and I’m honored I worked side by side with Gary for several years.
“He was a pioneer in severe weather broadcasting and a trusted voice for generations of Oklahomans.
“Jump back and rest in peace, sir.”
