‘God Gave Me Another Chance’: Texas Teen Driving Through Tornado in Viral Video Credits the Lord for Survival By Tré Goins-Phillips for Faith Wire
A 16-year-old boy from Elgin, Texas, was on his way home from a job interview at Whataburger when a tornado picked up his truck and threw it “like paper,” he recalled, looking back at the now-viral video of his red 2004 Chevrolet Silverado.
The whole ordeal, teen Riley Leon told KTBC-TV, left him “speechless.” But he credits God for his survival.
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“[I’m] grateful I’m here,” said Leon. “[I’m] grateful God gave me another chance, because better things are gonna come in the future. Never let small things bring you down, because bigger things are gonna come.”
Looking back, the boy said he wishes he had taken the warnings about the inclement weather more seriously.
He told the news outlet he “never expected” something like what happened to him this week to ever occur.
Thankfully — and miraculously — Leon walked away from the harrowing incident with nothing more than a couple scratches on his arms. The experience, though, has been difficult to process.
Leon said the red truck he was driving had significant sentimental value, admitting he has cried knowing it is likely totaled as a result of the accident. The Chevy truck has been in the family since Leon’s little sister was born.
“That truck,” he said, “helped me and my dad get to where we are now.”
If you missed the incredible footage of the incident, captured by storm chaser Brian Emfinger, here it is:
Chevrolet should immediately replace their Silverado commercials with just this footage. pic.twitter.com/0Hz1Xa5lYi
— Joel Berry (@JoelWBerry) March 22, 2022
Now safe at home, Leon said he is happy to be reunited with his parents, his little sister, and his older brother.
