As the floodwaters of Southeast Texas began to recede on July 8, 2025, a gripping tale of bravery emerged from the chaos, starring Johnny Joey Jones, a retired Marine and Fox News contributor, who became an unlikely hero. In a dramatic and life-or-death situation in Beaumont, Jones plunged into the churning waters of a submerged underpass, risking his life to rescue an elderly couple trapped inside a sinking truck. His audacious dive, guided by his military training, saved two lives just moments before their vehicle was completely submerged. “I didn’t think about the danger,” Jones said, breathless after the rescue. “I just knew they needed to live.” This courageous act has made Jones a symbol of hope and resilience amid one of the state’s deadliest natural disasters.

The Flash Floods Devastate Texas

The flash floods, triggered by relentless rainfall beginning on July 4, 2025, have claimed at least 112 lives across Texas, with 58 still missing. The Neches River and its tributaries swelled to catastrophic levels, submerging streets, homes, and entire neighborhoods. The city of Beaumont, which had already faced devastation from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, was once again at the mercy of Mother Nature. The floodwaters inundated vital evacuation routes, leaving residents stranded and unprepared for the scale of the disaster.

Among those trapped was an 82-year-old couple, Harold and Margaret Simmons, who had fled their flooded home but found themselves caught in the rapidly rising waters of the Interstate 10 underpass in Beaumont. With no escape route, their lives hung in the balance as the floodwater quickly rose, submerging their vehicle and trapping them inside.

A Call to Action: Johnny Joey Jones Responds

Johnny Joey Jones, a 39-year-old double amputee who lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan in 2010, was in Houston preparing for a Fox News segment on the unfolding flood crisis when he saw the horrific images of Beaumont’s inundated streets. “Seeing the devastation, I knew I had to do something,” Jones said. “I’ve seen war, but this felt like a battlefield without borders. I couldn’t stay on the sidelines.”

Jones, who had built a career as an advocate for veterans and motivational speaker, made the decision to leave his post in Houston and drive to Beaumont. Despite the challenges posed by his prosthetic legs, Jones was determined to help. He quickly joined Texas Task Force 1, a swift-water rescue team, and suited up in a rescue suit, ready to assist.

His military training, particularly as an explosive ordnance disposal technician, gave him the discipline and knowledge needed to tackle such a dangerous operation. “I’ve faced worse odds,” Jones said with a smile, despite the weight of the situation. But this mission was unlike anything he had faced before.

The Daring Rescue

At 6:47 AM on July 7, 2025, Jones stood on the edge of the submerged underpass, assessing the situation. The truck was almost fully underwater, with Harold and Margaret Simmons frantically pounding on the windows. The current was too strong for rescue boats to safely approach the vehicle, and helicopters could not deploy due to low visibility and strong winds.

As the water level continued to rise, Captain Mark Delaney of the rescue team yelled, “We’re losing them. Someone’s got to go in.” Without hesitation, Jones volunteered. “I’ve got this,” he declared, adjusting his prosthetics and securing a breathing apparatus.

Though his amputations made it difficult to swim, Jones’s resolve was unshakable. He entered the frigid water, fighting against the current with his arms and upper body strength, which had been honed through years of physical therapy. The water, filled with debris and flotsam, made the situation even more perilous, but Jones was focused on one thing—getting the Simmonses to safety.

Inside the Sinking Truck: A Race Against Time

When Jones reached the submerged truck, the situation inside was dire. Harold, weakened by a recent heart condition, was slumped in his seat, while Margaret clung to his hand, her breath labored and panicked. The door was jammed, the vehicle’s frame warped by the powerful floodwaters.

Using a crowbar, Jones broke the driver’s side window with a swift blow. As water rushed in, he carefully looped a lifeline around Harold and signaled for the boat crew to pull him to safety. The team managed to rescue Harold, who was unconscious but had a faint pulse. Next, Jones turned to Margaret, who was barely conscious from the cold.

With the water rising faster and the current pulling him away, Jones maneuvered Margaret through the narrow window opening, fighting against the floodwaters that were now nearly swallowing the truck. At one point, his prosthetic legs became caught on the doorframe, but Jones didn’t hesitate. With a forceful twist, he freed himself and pulled Margaret through the window just as the truck was completely submerged. The boat crew quickly hauled them both to safety.

The Aftermath: A Hero’s Return

The rescue took a total of 14 minutes—minutes that felt like a lifetime. When they reached shore, the Simmonses were rushed to safety. Harold, who had been resuscitated, was stable, though unconscious. Margaret, though suffering from hypothermia, was alive, and she clung to Jones’s arm, whispering, “Thank you, son.”

“I didn’t think about the danger,” Jones later said, still catching his breath. “I just knew they needed to live.” His courage in the face of such an overwhelming situation did not go unnoticed. The moment was captured by a drone overhead and spread across social media, quickly making Johnny Joey Jones a hero in the eyes of millions.

As the community in Beaumont began to process the tragedy and its aftermath, Jones’s efforts gave them a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. His bravery brought the attention of national media and, more importantly, raised awareness about the ongoing recovery efforts.

A Community Rebuilding Through Courage

The Simmons family, now safe, expressed their gratitude for Jones’s heroic actions. “We wouldn’t be here without him,” Harold Simmons said, still recovering in the hospital. “He’s a miracle worker.”

Jones’s rescue is just one of many heroic acts taking place in the wake of the floods. With over 1,200 homes destroyed, 5,000 residents displaced, and damages exceeding $1 billion, the road to recovery for Texas will be long and challenging. But Jones’s bravery and determination to help others have been a beacon of hope in a time of crisis.

“We’re not done yet,” Jones said as he returned to the rescue base to continue working. “There’s more to do. I’m not stopping until we’ve helped every person we can.”

As the search and rescue operations continue, Johnny Joey Jones has shown that even in the face of disaster, the strength of the human spirit can triumph. His selflessness and courage have not only saved lives but also sparked a wave of volunteerism and donations, inspiring others to step up and help Texas rebuild.

A Lasting Legacy

Johnny Joey Jones’s heroic actions have left an indelible mark on the people of Texas, and his story will be remembered as a testament to the power of courage, community, and the unwavering will to help others in their darkest hour. His actions have proven that even in the most challenging circumstances, a single act of bravery can inspire a community to come together and rebuild.

For those wishing to help, donations can be made through the Beaumont Emergency Fund, the American Red Cross, or other verified organizations assisting with the recovery efforts. As Johnny Joey Jones continues to lead by example, his message remains clear: when others need you, you show up.