Family Reunites With Hero Who Saved Them From Texas Floods
Matthew Crowder and the Eliashar Family (NBC News / YouTube)
Mother & Four Children Saved By Heroic Stranger
In the early morning of Friday, July 4th, Matthew Crowder was driving to work in Jonestown, Texas. When he noticed that the river along which he worked was flooded, he almost turned around and went home. However, a “gut feeling” kept him there.
As the waters started to rise to alarming heights, he noticed a nearby home quickly becoming threatened by the flood. The brave young man had never met the family who lived inside, but he got as close to the house as the waters would allow and began shouting.
He awoke Crissy Eliashar, four children, and one elderly man, alerting them that they needed to leave immediately. Crowder helped guide the family and their dogs to safety before their house was washed off its foundation.
Matthew Crowder recounts the terrifying morning below, including the moments when he and some of the children were almost swept away.
The Eliashar Family Is Reunited With Their Hero
Days later, Crowder and the Eliashar family were reunited. When asked by NBC News how he was able to stay calm and collected in an emergency situation, Crowder said:
“I was pretty scared myself, you know, I had never done anything like this. It was just doing what made sense to me and just kind of stepping up as a natural leader.”
Given the chance to thank the young man who saved her family, Eliashar said:
“Thank you so much for saving our lives, that’s – I can’t say enough. I am beyond words.”
The Eliashars lost all of their belongings and, like many victims, did not have flood insurance. A GoFundMe has been set up in their benefit.
Watch the emotional reunion in the video below.
Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches Devastating Heights
At least 120 people have died following the extreme flash flooding that ripped through central Texas, including at least 36 children. Recovery efforts are underway for the more than 170 individuals still missing.
Emergency response teams have used helicopters, drones, and Coast Guard boats to conduct over 850 high-water rescues in the region. This disaster is now among the deadliest inland flood events in Texas history.
Multiple funds have been set up to support recovery efforts, including the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund, and various GoFundMe initiatives.
RELATED: HEROIC FATHER LEAVES EMOTIONAL GOODBYE VOICEMAILS TO HIS CHILDREN BEFORE PASSING IN TEXAS FLOOD
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