Matthew Angel Tufono had just celebrated his 51st birthday with loved ones. Hours later on his way to work, he became trapped in the chaos of rushing floodwaters.

While much of San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country is recovering from heavy rains and tragic flooding and even overflowing river levels, a small town is renewing calls for residents to observe water restrictions.

“He survived it by jumping in the back of his truck,” said Pereles. Pereles says he understands driving into water is a dangerous situation, but for some of those he passed waiting to see the water recede, they should not have lost their lives.