Joe Reeves.Photo: Facebook
A Tennessee father is being hailed as a hero after he helped his family escape thedevastating storm floodwaters, only to get swept away himself.
Reeves is one of at least 22 people in the Middle Tennessee area whodied over the weekendafter parts of the state experiencedrecord-breaking rainfall, according to theAssociated Press. Dozens more remain missing, the outlet reported.
Joseph’s daughter, Rachel Reeves, had trouble holding back tears as she recounted the terrifying moment that her world was changed forever.
“It was very brave and he got them safe,“she told WSMVof her father.
According to Rachel, the water quickly began to rise in their house, which prompted her father to take action. By opening the door, he was able to give his family a chance to escape, WSMV reported.
Despite Joseph’s best efforts, he tragically did not survive the flooding, Rachel said.
“My dad, he didn’t make it,” she told WSMV through tears. “He went down the river that way, and we didn’t find his body until midnight that night.”
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It was already a tough time for the Reeves family, as Joseph’s wife is currently battling Stage IV cancer, WSMV reported. She escaped the traumatic ordeal with bumps and bruises but is now left heartbroken without her husband.
As Rachel continues to grieve the loss of her beloved father, she said she was grateful to the people in her community who prevented this tragedy from being even worse.
“It’s just crazy how many amazing people [there are],” she told WSMV. “There were good people out here just saving them.”
“My mom and sister would not be alive without Melissa and Joel and the nice family on 211 East Railroad Street,” she added. “They are incredible people for going out there in danger and bringing them to safety.”
source: people.com
