In the midst of one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit Texas in recent years, a father’s unwavering love for his children shone through in his final moments. Mark Thompson, a 61-year-old insurance salesman from Lewisville, Texas, left emotional voicemails for his two grown children just before he and his wife, Elena Thompson, 46, were tragically swept away by raging floodwaters in Kerrville. As the Guadalupe River swelled to unprecedented levels, claiming over 100 lives across the state, Mark’s poignant messages have become a symbol of resilience, heartbreak, and the unbreakable bond of family. 💔 Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family during this unimaginable time.

The flash floods that ravaged Central Texas in early July 2025 were nothing short of catastrophic. Triggered by a relentless series of thunderstorms dumping up to 20 inches of rain in mere hours, the Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in under an hour, transforming serene campgrounds and rural communities into deadly torrents. Kerrville, a picturesque town in the Texas Hill Country, bore the brunt of the disaster. The HTR RV Park, where Mark and Elena were staying in their beloved Airstream camper, was obliterated as water surged through, carrying vehicles, homes, and lives downstream. According to local authorities, the floods have resulted in at least 119 confirmed deaths, with dozens still missing, including children from nearby Camp Mystic, a youth summer camp that was partially destroyed.

Mark Thompson was no stranger to life’s challenges, but nothing could have prepared him for the fury of nature that night. Born and raised in Texas, Mark had built a life centered around family, faith, and hard work. As an insurance agent, he spent his days helping others protect what mattered most—homes, businesses, and loved ones—from unforeseen calamities. Ironically, it was a calamity beyond insurance policies that claimed his life. Mark and Elena, who had been married for several years, were enjoying a quiet getaway in their camper when the storm hit. Elena, a vibrant 46-year-old stepmother to Mark’s children, was known for her infectious smile and love of outdoor adventures. The couple had no inkling that their peaceful retreat would turn into a nightmare.

As the water began to rise rapidly around their camper on the evening of July 4, 2025, Mark realized the gravity of the situation. Trapped inside the vehicle as it was lifted and carried away by the current, he grabbed his phone and dialed his son, Jake Thompson, and his daughter. In those harrowing voicemails, Mark’s voice, calm yet laced with sorrow, conveyed his final thoughts. “I love you guys so much,” he said in one message, according to Jake’s recounting in interviews with ABC News and other outlets. “It doesn’t look like we’re going to make it… I think this is it.” In the background, Elena’s screams could be heard, a chilling reminder of the terror they faced. Mark urged his children to take care of each other and to remember the good times they shared. These messages, lasting just a few minutes each, have since been described by Jake as “the worst voicemail you could ever receive,” yet also a treasured final connection to his father.

Jake Thompson, Mark’s son from a previous marriage, spoke candidly about the voicemails in an exclusive interview with the New York Post. Now in his 30s and living in Dallas, Jake described his father as a “hero dad” who always put family first. “He was the kind of guy who would drop everything to help you,” Jake said. “Even in his last moments, he was thinking of us.” Jake revealed that the family received an evacuation alert on their phones—but tragically, it came after the camper had already been swept away. The delay in warnings has sparked criticism of local emergency systems, with some pointing to ongoing disputes within the Austin Fire Department over pay and resources that may have hampered response times. Mark’s daughter, whose name has been withheld for privacy, echoed her brother’s sentiments, sharing that the voicemail has become a source of both pain and comfort. “Hearing his voice one last time… it’s like he’s still here, telling us to be strong,” she told reporters.

The story of Mark Thompson has resonated far beyond Texas, drawing attention from national media and public figures. Among those moved by the tragedy is Fox News host and former professional wrestler Tyrus, whose real name is George Murdoch. Known for his no-nonsense commentary on shows like “Gutfeld!” and his larger-than-life presence, Tyrus has been vocal about the Texas floods, using his platform to highlight stories of heroism and loss. In a recent episode of “Fox & Friends,” Tyrus discussed Mark’s final act, calling it “the ultimate example of American grit and fatherly love.” “This man, facing death head-on, didn’t panic for himself—he made sure his kids knew they were loved,” Tyrus said, his voice cracking with emotion. “In a world full of noise, that’s the kind of legacy we need to celebrate.”

Tyrus’s involvement goes beyond commentary. As a Texas native with deep roots in the state, he has actively participated in relief efforts. Just days after the floods peaked, Tyrus joined forces with fellow Fox News personality Johnny “Joey” Jones, a combat veteran and frequent collaborator, to organize supply drives and volunteer on the ground in Kerrville. Photos and videos from the scene show Tyrus, with his imposing 6’8″ frame, wading through mud to distribute water, food, and blankets to survivors. In one particularly poignant moment captured on social media, Tyrus visited a makeshift memorial near the HTR RV Park, where he laid flowers in honor of victims like Mark and Elena. “These folks weren’t just statistics—they were dads, moms, dreamers,” Tyrus posted on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Mark’s story. “Mark Thompson reminded us all: Family first, always.”

Tyrus’s connection to the floods stems from his own experiences with adversity. A former WWE superstar who transitioned into media, Tyrus has often spoken about overcoming personal hardships, including poverty and racial challenges. “I’ve wrestled in rings and fought in life,” he shared in a Fox News op-ed about the disaster. “But nothing prepares you for Mother Nature’s wrath. Stories like Mark’s hit home because they show the human spirit at its rawest.” He urged viewers to donate to organizations like the American Red Cross and Texans on Mission, which have been instrumental in recovery efforts. Tyrus even hosted a special segment on “Gutfeld!” dedicated to flood victims, where he invited Jake Thompson for a virtual appearance. “Your dad’s voicemail? That’s gold,” Tyrus told Jake. “It’s a lesson for every parent out there—don’t wait to say ‘I love you.'”

The broader context of the Texas floods reveals a perfect storm of environmental and systemic issues. Climate experts point to global warming as a factor exacerbating such events, with warmer air holding more moisture and leading to intense rainfall. In Kerrville alone, the Guadalupe River crested at levels not seen since the 1930s, flooding homes, bridges, and highways. Camp Mystic, a historic Christian youth camp nearby, suffered immense damage, with flash floods sweeping through cabins and claiming the lives of at least 15 children and staff. Search and rescue operations, involving the National Guard, Coast Guard, and volunteers like Joey Jones, have been ongoing, but the emotional toll is immeasurable.

Amid the devastation, acts of heroism have emerged. First responders risked their lives to pull people from submerged vehicles, and community members opened their homes to strangers. Tyrus, drawing from his wrestling background, likened the recovery to a “tag-team match against disaster.” “You’ve got folks like Joey Jones, who’s lost limbs in war but still charges in, and everyday Texans stepping up,” he said. “Mark Thompson might not have survived, but his spirit fuels us to keep fighting.”

For the Thompson family, the road ahead is long. Jake has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs and support siblings, which has raised over $50,000 thanks in part to shares from influencers like Tyrus. “Dad would be proud,” Jake said. “He always said family sticks together.” As Texas rebuilds, Mark’s voicemail serves as a haunting reminder of life’s fragility and the power of love in the face of tragedy.

In closing, the story of Mark Thompson transcends the floods—it’s a testament to paternal devotion that echoes across the nation. With figures like Tyrus amplifying these narratives, perhaps we can find hope amid the heartbreak. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mark’s family and all those affected by this calamity. 💔