Quick-thinking couple hailed as heroes after lifesaving act during deadly flash floods
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When flash floods swept through a Texas campground during Fourth of July celebrations, chaos erupted in a matter of minutes.
The Guadalupe River, swollen by a month’s worth of rain falling in just hours, surged to 26 feet and began swallowing mobile homes, cabins, and vehicles.
Families who had gone to bed expecting a night of fun and fireworks were instead jolted into a nightmare.
In the middle of this disaster, a couple’s split-second decision helped change the outcome for dozens of campers.
Lyle and Sue Glenna, a retired couple from Minnesota, had been living and working at the campground for the summer when the river began to rise without warning.
Rather than flee immediately, they climbed into their truck and laid on the horn—long blasts that echoed through the night.
It was that sound that woke many campers who otherwise may not have made it out alive. “They were able to get into their truck and they were able to honk a warning out to a lot of people at the campground, which definitely helped some people make it out,” said their son, Wes Glenna.
The couple’s instincts provided those around them with precious extra minutes to escape to higher ground, just before the entire campground was overtaken by water.
The GoFundMe page launched in their name explained, “They were able to save many lives at the campground by having the presence of mind to honk their horn and wake people up, giving precious minutes for some to evacuate.”
While they succeeded in helping others, Lyle and Sue barely escaped themselves. In the chaos, Lyle suffered a heart attack and the pair lost everything except their truck and the clothes on their backs.
“They lost friends, visitors, co-workers, definitely. They got to watch it happen and it was very tragic for them for sure,” Wes added.
As the floodwaters receded, the scale of destruction became clear—not just property lost, but lives and livelihoods gone in an instant.
With no time to grab belongings and no access to insurance relief yet, the couple faced an uncertain future. But the community’s response was swift and generous.
More than $20,000 has been raised so far through GoFundMe to help Lyle and Sue recover and rebuild. An update on the fundraiser read, “The funds have already been put to good use. Lyle was able to leave the hospital today. They wouldn’t release him without a new C-PAP machine.”
Stories like the Glennas’ show the critical importance of disaster awareness and preparation, especially near rivers and flood-prone areas.
Flash floods often come with little to no warning, and quick thinking can mean the difference between life and death.
In this case, something as simple as honking a horn changed the outcome for many people in the campground that night. Ordinary actions, done at the right time, can become extraordinary.
Read next:
What would you have done in their situation—and are you prepared if disaster strikes your area? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below. Let’s start a conversation that might help someone else stay safe when it matters most.
The Guadalupe River, swollen by a month’s worth of rain falling in just hours, surged to 26 feet and began swallowing mobile homes, cabins, and vehicles.
Families who had gone to bed expecting a night of fun and fireworks were instead jolted into a nightmare.
In the middle of this disaster, a couple’s split-second decision helped change the outcome for dozens of campers.
Lyle and Sue Glenna, a retired couple from Minnesota, had been living and working at the campground for the summer when the river began to rise without warning.
Rather than flee immediately, they climbed into their truck and laid on the horn—long blasts that echoed through the night.
It was that sound that woke many campers who otherwise may not have made it out alive. “They were able to get into their truck and they were able to honk a warning out to a lot of people at the campground, which definitely helped some people make it out,” said their son, Wes Glenna.
Quick-thinking couple hailed as heroes after lifesaving act during deadly flash floods. Image source: GoFundMe
The couple’s instincts provided those around them with precious extra minutes to escape to higher ground, just before the entire campground was overtaken by water.
The GoFundMe page launched in their name explained, “They were able to save many lives at the campground by having the presence of mind to honk their horn and wake people up, giving precious minutes for some to evacuate.”
While they succeeded in helping others, Lyle and Sue barely escaped themselves. In the chaos, Lyle suffered a heart attack and the pair lost everything except their truck and the clothes on their backs.
“They lost friends, visitors, co-workers, definitely. They got to watch it happen and it was very tragic for them for sure,” Wes added.
As the floodwaters receded, the scale of destruction became clear—not just property lost, but lives and livelihoods gone in an instant.
With no time to grab belongings and no access to insurance relief yet, the couple faced an uncertain future. But the community’s response was swift and generous.
More than $20,000 has been raised so far through GoFundMe to help Lyle and Sue recover and rebuild. An update on the fundraiser read, “The funds have already been put to good use. Lyle was able to leave the hospital today. They wouldn’t release him without a new C-PAP machine.”
Stories like the Glennas’ show the critical importance of disaster awareness and preparation, especially near rivers and flood-prone areas.
Flash floods often come with little to no warning, and quick thinking can mean the difference between life and death.
In this case, something as simple as honking a horn changed the outcome for many people in the campground that night. Ordinary actions, done at the right time, can become extraordinary.
Read next:
- Flood disaster worsens as dozens remain missing—nation watches recovery efforts unfold
- Rain is coming—Here’s how to stay safe when it pours
