Community rallies behind food truck owner after floodwater rescue
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — One day after rescuing a driver from floodwaters in Cape Girardeau, Tacon Madre owner Miguel Morales received an outpouring of support from community members who stopped by his food truck to thank him for his actions.
Monday’s heavy rainfall left parts of Cape Girardeau under water, including areas along South Kingshighway. Morales said he was working inside his food truck when he saw a vehicle enter floodwaters and disappear.
After realizing the driver had not resurfaced, Morales entered the water and pulled the person to safety.
The rescue happened in front of Motorsports Unlimited at 408 S. Kingshighway.
Owner of Motorsports Unlimited, Alan “Big Al” Bisher, said Morales’ actions came as no surprise.
He described Morales as a caring friend who is always willing to help others and said the rescue reflected the kind of person he is.
“He cares deeply about everyone,” Fisher said.
Video of the rescue quickly spread across social media, where many praised Morales’ actions and encouraged others to support his business.
On Tuesday, customers lined up at Tacon Madre, with several saying they came specifically because they had heard about the rescue.
Jasmine Smith said she learned about Morales’ actions through social media and decided to stop by in support.
“Given the state that the country is in, it’s appreciative to have somebody like him step up and save someone he didn’t even know,” Smith said.
Others echoed similar sentiments, saying Morales’ willingness to help a stranger represented the best of the Cape Girardeau community.
Rhonda Rowell said Morales deserved recognition for his actions.
“Thank you. Thank you from a whole community,” Rowell said. “We should all be out here supporting people like this who step up like he did.”
His wife, Mackenzie Morales, said the family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community.
“My husband truly believes God placed him in the exact place at the right time to help rescue this man. It was a reminder that when we show up for one another, we can make a real difference. We encourage everyone to lend a helping hand whenever they can and to come together to make this world a better place. We love our community and are so grateful for each and every one of you. We couldn’t do this without your support, and my husband says he will continue helping anyone he can, as we all should! Let’s continue to keep the survivor in our thoughts and prayers as they recover. Thank you all for showing what a caring and compassionate community looks like.”
The Morales family also asked the community to continue keeping the survivor in their thoughts and prayers as they recover.
