Weather Channel meteorologist killed after crashing his car into a parking garage at high speed

A Weather Channel meteorologist has died after the car he was driving slammed into a parking garage in Atlanta.

Nicholas Wiltgen, 39, a senior digital meteorologist with the station, crashed through a wall and ended up in the basement of an adjacent hotel while he was behind the wheel of his Volkswagen Eos 3.2 on Sunday.

He had been tweeting throughout the weekend about the blizzard that caused chaos on the East Coast.

After smashing into the wall, he hit another employee who was standing in the storage room, but he he only suffered minor injuries.

Hotel staff rushed out and tried to perform CPR on Wiltgen, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

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Weather Channel meteorologist Nicholas Wiltgen, 39, has died after crashing his car into a parking garage in Atlanta, Georgia . Police say he may have suffered a heart attack at the wheel 

After smashing into the wall, hotel staff rushed out and tried to perform CPR on him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene

A witness said he was travelling at a 'very high rate of speed' before the impact. Atlanta police say he may have suffered a heart attack while at the wheel. 

Cameron Clayton, president of product and technology at The Weather Channel told AJC.com: 'We have lost a treasured member of The Weather Channel family.

'Nick Wiltgen was at Weather for more than 15 years as a senior digital meteorologist and integral member of our content team.'

John Meredith also wrote a touching tribute on Facebook to Wiltgen. He said: 'Today I mourn the loss of an incredibly beautiful soul.' 

'Nick Wiltgen was my friend, my lover and one of the most intelligent and curious men I have ever had the good fortune of meeting. 

'His death, like so many parts of life, is unfathomable. My heart is heavy for his family and I feel deeply that the world has lost a voice and a son. I will remember Nick for holding my hand on our first trip overseas, long walks with our dogs, in rain drops and clouds, and for our shared sensuality together.

'Goodbye old friend, may your soul find peace and joy. You are always in my heart.'

Colleagues in the media rushed to pay their respects to the experienced correspondent.

Al Roker, co-anchor of The Today Show, said on Twitter his thoughts and prayers are with Wiltgen's family.

'His smile, expertise and camaraderie will be missed,' Roker said.

Mark Elliot, a meteorologist with The Weather Channel, said he was saddened by the loss of his friend and colleague. 

John Meredith also wrote a touching tribute on Facebook to Wiltgen. He said: 'Today I mourn the loss of an incredibly beautiful soul'

He had been tweeting throughout the weekend about the blizzard that caused chaos on the East Coast

Wiltgen joined The Weather Company as a senior radio broadcast meteorologist (left) in October 2001, and he stayed for almost 11 years, delivering on-air forecasts for radio affiliate. He then moved to the digital side in May 2012

Wiltgen was also a familiar face on air, appearing on The Weather Channel from time to time to discuss featured digital stories

Wiltgen received a bachelor’s degree in meteorology in 1998 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, according to the university.

He then worked as an agriculture/ energy commodities forecaster at Planalytics business and weather consulting from 1998 to 2001.

In October 2001, he joined The Weather Company as a senior radio broadcast meteorologist and he stayed for almost 11 years, delivering on-air forecasts for radio affiliates, the AJC reported.

He then moved to the digital side in May 2012, producing and delivering a wide range of weather and nature content for The Weather Company’s digital platforms.

He was promoted to senior digital meteorologist in December 2014, where he led and supervised the digital meteorology team. 

Wiltgen was also a familiar face on air, appearing on The Weather Channel from time to time to discuss featured digital stories.

One of his colleagues Richard Lewelling wrote on Facebook: 'My heart is broken today as one of my colleagues and friends was killed yesterday in an automobile accident as a result of a medical condition. Nick was only 39 years old and had a great passion and dedication to our craft. 

'You always see the spark in those who truly love the weather and Nick had that spark. He loved his work, his friends and his family and I don't think any of us who knew him will forget him. 

'In all the years I have known him... He never complained but always had a great smile, a great attitude and a laugh I still hear today. We are all going to miss you Nick.'

Al Roker, co-anchor of The Today Show, said on Twitter his thoughts and prayers are with Wiltgen's family

One of Wiltgen's colleagues Richard Lewelling also paid tribute to the weatherman on social media 

Gossip writer Perez Hilton was one of the celebrities outside the meteorologist profession to pay tribute 

Another Weather Channel employee Mike Seidel also posted his respects on Twitter after hearing of Wiltgen's tragic passing