He Lost His Whole Family to a Flood, Ten Years Later, He’s There for Others in Texas

If anyone knows the pain of experiencing an unexpected flood, it's Jonathon McComb. The Texas resident lost his wife and two children in a tragic flood ten years ago. Now, he’s helping victims from the recent Texas flooding.

The Texas Flooding Came Rapidly

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The river flood that hit East Texas in the early hours of July 4th rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes. It took the lives of 120, and as of the time of writing, at least 173 people are still missing.

“This one hits a little bit more at home,” Jonathan said. “I can see the hurt and the pain in the families. I know what they're going through and what they're feeling and what they're going to feel.”

In 2015, Jonathan was in Wimberley, Texas, when floodwaters destroyed his home and swept him and his family away. He was able to get out of the flood after being pushed 11 miles down the river, but his family did not escape.

A Mission to Help Others

Now, Jonathan, 45, is volunteering with Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) to locate flood victims.

“I told myself when I was in the hospital — once I got out and saw what they were doing — I needed to join them to give back and to help others,” Jonathan said.

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Jonathan Arrived in Kerrville

Jonathan arrived in Kerrville, one of the primary flood-affected cities, on the evening of July 4. Volunteering takes an emotional toll, but Jonathon knows the importance of helping better than anyone.

“It’s a tug of war,” he said. “I’m here to help. But knowing we weren’t able to recover my daughter 10 years ago and I know what that feels like. I want to do what I can to help.”

Jonathan’s daughter was 4 years old when she died.

"It's pretty important. I know what it feels like, and so I want to do everything I can to bring that closure to them. Not that we can promise that, but we're going to give every effort we can and keep going," McComb said.

A Meaningful Life Rebuilt

In the last several years, Jonathan remarried and had another daughter, who is now 5. He gave her a tight hug before setting off into danger again.

He says TEXSAR is a “great organization to get involved with and try and help others in tragic situations.”

“I think it’s good for people to see that there’s hope, through tragedy. That life can go on, and I’m here to help do whatever I can for those people,” he said. “Because they’re going through the worst part of their lives right now, and I did that. I know exactly how they feel.”

Jonathan is an inspiration to tragedy survivors. He showed that his life’s biggest calamity doesn’t define him and rebuilt his life to help others. As many flood victims are still missing, it’s important to pray for the affected families and that every person is found. 

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h/t: PEOPLE

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.