Jonathon McComb was the lone survivor in a flood that killed his wife and kids. Now he’s paying it forward.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In the Hill Country, heavy rains have turned roads into rivers, destroyed homes and left entire communities cut off. Emergency crews are working nonstop, using boats and helicopters to reach people still trapped by the flood.
Among those helping is Jonathon McComb from Corpus Christi. He’s part of Texas Search and Rescue, or TEXSAR, a volunteer group that responds to disasters across the state.
“I just think they need to know that there are a lot of people out here that are working hard and very vigilant and help find those who are missing or lost,” McComb said during a phone interview from the field.
Jonathon’s mission with TEXSAR is deeply personal. Ten years ago, he and his family were swept away by a flash flood on the Blanco River in Wimberley. He survived, badly injured. His wife Laura and their two children, Leighton and Andrew, did not.
Thirteen people were killed in that 2015 disaster.
“Great organization to get involved with and try and help others in tragic situations,” he said. “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.”
Back home, his father Joe McComb, a former mayor of Corpus Christi, anxiously watches updates, knowing his son is once again putting himself in harm’s way.
“It just breaks our heart to see this happen. But it happens,” said Joe McComb. “Fortunately, Jonathon is experienced and his thankfulness to TEXSAR over his circumstances… he’s committed his life to paying back. And this isn’t the first time he’s been called on a TEXSAR rescue, but it’s one that’s probably as close to the Blanco flood as we’ve seen so far.”
Jonathon says he will stay on the ground in Kerrville for as long as needed. For him, this work is not just about rescue. It is about redemption.