Alex Herbst, a meteorologist and rising reporter at CBS 4, has died at age 26. A little over a year ago, Herbst graduated from Mississippi State University with a master’s degree in Geosciences and holds a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University in meteorology.
While a cause of death has not been revealed, it has been confirmed that Herbst passed away on Wednesday afternoon.
Several colleagues took to social media to expressed their shock and sadness at the untimely death of the budding meteorologist.
I'm at a loss of words. He graduated alongside me and worked with me a lot. He was only 26. https://t.co/iwChWNmhUP
— Craig Ceecee (@CC_StormWatch) September 12, 2019
Can’t sleep and then I woke up to this news; oh, Alex…you were a GREAT soul and I loved chatting with you on the #PlymouthState campus. Rest easy ? #RIP #AlexHerbst https://t.co/IwpczhZ1xl
— Carina Isabel (@sp3llczecher) September 12, 2019
So stunned to read about the passing of Mississippi State grad and our former AMS/NWA local chapter President, Alex Herbst.. he was only 26 years old. Condolences to all who knew him. https://t.co/IZJ6t0mRhT
— Jessica Moore (@DopplerJess) September 12, 2019
The East Mississippi Chapter of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society released a statement following Herbst’s death.
“While today was an exciting day for our chapter, tonight we received devastating news about our former President, Alex Herbst. He began that mission three years ago and it has remained a core principle to this day.”
According to Valley Central, Alex joined the StormTracker 4 Weather Team shortly after graduating last year.
Alex Herbst’s last tweet is a picturesque photo capturing the sunset of Harlingen, Texas, just a day before he passed away.
Sunset after sea breeze showers in Harlingen, Texas. Can’t beat it. #RGVwx @kgbt @NWSBrownsville pic.twitter.com/Z6phLP4NXw
— Alex Herbst (@AlexHerbstWX) September 10, 2019
Alex was raised in New Jersey but lived and worked in Rio Grande Valley. According to his official website, he was a Philadelphia sports fan and enjoyed spending time at the gym and exploring the outdoors of the Rio Grande Valley.
Several colleagues of Herbst praised his sense of humor and passion for his work. Alex Del Barrio said on Twitter: “Alex was funny, kind, and incredibly intelligent. He also was incredible at his job. He brought a new energy to the weather team with his science”
Alex Herbst is survived by his mother Jan Herbst and brother Matthew Herbst.