As the floodwaters of Southeast Texas begin to recede on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, a gripping tale of bravery has emerged from the devastation, starring Johnny Joey Jones, the retired Marine and Fox News contributor turned unlikely hero. In a life-or-death scenario in Beaumont, Jones plunged into the churning depths of a submerged underpass, risking his life to rescue an elderly couple trapped inside a sinking truck. His audacious dive, executed with the precision of his military training, saved two souls just moments before the vehicle was fully engulfed. “I didn’t think about the danger,” Jones gasped, his breath ragged after the rescue. “I just knew they needed to live.” This act of valor has cemented his legacy as a symbol of courage amid one of the state’s deadliest natural disasters.

The Floods: A Crisis Strikes Texas

The floods, triggered by a relentless deluge beginning on July 4, 2025, have claimed 112 lives across Texas, with 58 still missing. The Neches River and its tributaries swelled to catastrophic levels, inundating communities and sweeping away homes, vehicles, and vital infrastructure. The city of Beaumont, already familiar with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, once again found itself at the mercy of nature’s fury. Rainfall totals of over 15 inches in 48 hours left parts of the city submerged, and the fast-moving waters turned the region into a disaster zone.

One of the hardest-hit areas was a crucial underpass on Interstate 10, a key evacuation route, where flash floods trapped vehicles in rising water. Among them was a pickup truck carrying Harold and Margaret Simmons, an elderly couple who had fled their flooded home in search of safety, only to find themselves trapped in the deadly currents.

Johnny Joey Jones: A Hero Emerges

Johnny Joey Jones, a 39-year-old double amputee who lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan in 2010, was in Houston on July 6, preparing for a Fox News segment on the ongoing crisis. Despite being a veteran of intense battlefield environments, Jones couldn’t ignore the devastating images of Beaumont’s flooded streets that were broadcast live. The sight of families clinging to rooftops and the sheer scale of the disaster stirred something deeper in Jones—a call to action.

“Seeing the devastation from the news, I knew I had to do something,” Jones reflected. “I’ve seen war, but this felt like a battlefield without borders. I couldn’t sit this one out.”

Determined to help, Jones drove to Beaumont that night, joining forces with Texas Task Force 1, a swift-water rescue unit. His military training as an explosive ordnance disposal technician had prepared him for high-risk situations, but this rescue operation would require every ounce of his strength and determination.

The Daring Rescue

The situation grew desperate as Jones arrived at the flooded underpass in Beaumont on the morning of July 7. The truck, a weathered Ford F-150, was partially submerged, with Harold and Margaret Simmons trapped inside, their faces pressed against the windows in terror. As the floodwaters rose at an alarming rate, the rescue team’s boat was unable to approach due to debris and strong currents.

Without hesitation, Jones volunteered for the most dangerous part of the mission: a water rescue. Despite his prosthetic legs, which were not designed for swimming, Jones knew he had to act. “I’ve carried heavier burdens,” he quipped, referencing his recovery from the life-altering injuries he sustained in Afghanistan.

Jones entered the frigid waters, using his upper body strength to maneuver through the current. The cold seeped into his rescue suit as debris scraped against his face, but his focus remained unwavering. His goal was clear: to get the Simmonses out of that truck before it was too late.

Upon reaching the truck, Jones found the driver’s side window intact, but the water inside the cab was rising rapidly. Harold Simmons, weakened by a recent heart condition, slumped in his seat, while Margaret, his wife of 58 years, fought to stay above water. The door was jammed, trapped by the force of the flood.

Jones used a crowbar to shatter the window, causing a rush of water to flood into his face. With the current tugging at him, he quickly looped a lifeline around Harold, signaling for the boat crew to pull him to safety. The rescue was perilous, with Jones battling both the water and his own limitations, but his determination drove him forward.

The rescue took 14 minutes—an eternity in such dangerous conditions. Jones’s efforts saved Harold, and with the boat crew’s help, they were able to pull Margaret out of the truck just moments before it was fully submerged. The Simmonses were brought to safety, where medics began CPR on Harold, who, against the odds, regained a pulse.

The Aftermath and Community Response

The rescue of Harold and Margaret Simmons became a beacon of hope for a region devastated by loss. The couple’s story quickly spread, and their heartfelt gratitude toward Jones left a lasting impression. “He’s a miracle worker,” Harold Simmons said from his hospital bed. “We’d be gone without him.”

Jones’s heroism did not stop with the Simmons family. He continued to assist with ongoing rescue operations, providing support to first responders and coordinating efforts to locate the missing. His willingness to risk his own life to save others has made him a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of one of Texas’ most devastating natural disasters.

In the days following the rescue, Jones visited the Simmonses in the hospital, where Harold pressed a pocket watch into his hand—a family heirloom. “You gave us time,” Harold said. “Take this.” Jones, moved by the gesture, accepted the watch and vowed to carry their story forward, using it as a reminder of the importance of helping those in need.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Johnny Joey Jones’s actions in Texas have sparked a renewed conversation about the role of veterans in disaster recovery. His quick thinking, physical strength, and unwavering determination saved lives and inspired countless others. Many have praised Jones for his bravery, calling him a true American hero.

On social media, posts flooded in to commend Jones for his selflessness. “Joey Jones proves that heroes don’t retire—they reload,” one user wrote. “His bravery and commitment are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.”

As the search for the remaining missing individuals continues and the recovery efforts unfold, Jones’s actions have left an indelible mark on the community of Beaumont. His words, “I just knew they needed to live,” will continue to resonate with the people of Texas as they rebuild their lives in the wake of tragedy.

A Community United in Recovery

The road to recovery for Texas is long, but Johnny Joey Jones’s daring rescue has shown the power of human connection, bravery, and resilience. With the efforts of heroes like Jones, the community of Beaumont is finding hope amid the rubble.

For Jones, this rescue is just another chapter in a life defined by service, sacrifice, and leadership. As the waters recede, the impact of his actions will continue to inspire, proving that in times of crisis, it’s not just about surviving—it’s about showing up for each other.

How to Help

For those looking to support the ongoing recovery efforts, donations can be made to the Texas Flood Relief Fund or through verified GoFundMe pages set up by local organizations. Volunteers and donations are still needed, and as Jones has shown, every effort counts.

As Jones prepares for the next phase of rescue operations, his resolve remains firm: “There’s more to be done, and I’m not stopping until we’ve helped every person we can.”