In a gripping tale of courage amid chaos, Tyrus, the former WWE wrestler and Fox News personality, emerged as an unlikely hero during the devastating Texas floods that struck in early July 2025. On July 7, the 50-year-old, known for his larger-than-life persona on Gutfeld!, risked his life to rescue 10 stranded children from the raging waters of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic in Kerr County. His selfless act, carried out with a canoe and sheer determination, has captured the hearts of a nation still reeling from the disaster’s toll of over 120 lives lost. Tyrus’s emotional declaration, “The kids are the future, I had to protect them,” shared in a heartfelt interview on July 9, has cemented his status as a real-life savior. As of 09:45 PM +07 on Thursday, July 10, 2025, this extraordinary rescue has dominated headlines, sparking admiration, raising questions about his motives, and highlighting the human spirit’s resilience in the face of tragedy.
The Texas floods began on July 7, unleashed by a stalled weather system dumping over 15 inches of rain in 24 hours, turning the Hill Country into a watery nightmare. The Guadalupe River, notorious as part of “Flash Flood Alley” due to its thin soil layer, surged over 20 feet in less than two hours, overwhelming Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. The disaster claimed at least 27 campers and staff, with 160 people still missing as of July 10, including children as young as 8. Emergency responders, including the Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard, conducted over 1,000 rescues, but the remote terrain and debris-strewn waters hampered efforts. Amid this chaos, Tyrus, vacationing nearby with his family, witnessed the unfolding horror and sprang into action.
The rescue unfolded late on July 7, as floodwaters isolated a group of 10 children—ages 9 to 13—on a small rise near the camp’s edge. Tyrus, whose real name is George Murdoch, borrowed a canoe from a local resident and, with no formal training, navigated the treacherous currents. Video footage, captured by a bystander and shared on X, shows him paddling through debris, calling out to the children, and pulling them one by one into the canoe. The clip, which has garnered over 4 million views, depicts the children clinging to him, their faces a mix of fear and relief, as he guided them to a National Guard helicopter landing zone. Tyrus later recounted to Fox News, “I saw those kids stranded, water rising fast—I grabbed the canoe and went. The kids are the future, I had to protect them.”
His motivation draws from personal experience. A father of three—daughters Georgia and Amara, and son Rock—who has often spoken about his tough upbringing in Boston, Tyrus has a soft spot for youth. On Gutfeld!, he’s shared stories of mentoring at-risk kids, a passion reflected in his 2023 book Nuff Said. The Camp Mystic tragedy, where 27 girls and staff perished, including the camp’s owner Richard Eastland, struck a chord, especially given the children’s vulnerability—many swept away while sleeping. Tyrus’s decision to act, despite the danger, mirrors accounts of teen counselors tossing campers to safety, as noted by Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan, who saved 165. His lack of rescue training, however, has raised safety concerns, with some questioning his recklessness.
The aftermath has been a whirlwind. On July 9, Tyrus appeared on Fox & Friends, his voice breaking as he described the children’s gratitude—“They kept saying thank you, hugging me”—and the weight of their survival. The rescued group, part of the 850 saved in the first 36 hours, reunited with families at Ingram Elementary, a moment captured in tearful embraces. Local authorities praised his bravery, with Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha stating, “Tyrus’s actions saved lives when every second counted.” The children’s parents expressed gratitude, with one mother telling The Dallas Morning News, “He’s our hero—my daughter wouldn’t be here without him.” Yet, the flood’s toll—120 deaths, including 30 children—casts a somber shadow, with 160 still missing, fueling a desperate search.
Public reaction is a blend of awe and debate. On social media, posts on X hail Tyrus as “a real-life action hero,” with comments like “Tyrus saving kids in a canoe—unbelievable!” and “The kids are the future, his words hit hard.” The video’s 4 million views reflect widespread admiration, amplified by his Fox News platform, where he’s known for conservative takes. However, some question his motives, suggesting a publicity stunt tied to his upcoming book tour or a bid to bolster his image amid past controversies, like the 2019 WWE misconduct allegations. Others worry about the risks, noting the river’s 35-foot crest overwhelmed even trained rescuers, though his success speaks to his physical prowess from wrestling days.
Tyrus’s act fits into the broader flood narrative. The disaster, with its 26-foot rise in 45 minutes, caught many off guard, despite National Weather Service warnings of 3-6 inches that underestimated the 10-inch deluge. Governor Greg Abbott’s expanded disaster declaration and President Trump’s federal aid pledge on July 6 highlight the response, but criticism lingers over inadequate alerts, as Kerrville lacked countywide sirens. Tyrus’s canoe rescue, alongside Coast Guard efforts, underscores civilian heroism, contrasting with corporate donations like the NFL’s $1.5 million. His emotional drive—protecting the “future”—resonates amid 120 deaths, including Camp Mystic’s 27, where counselors’ bravery was also lauded.
Culturally, the rescue taps into 2025’s disaster relief trend, paralleling Eminem’s helicopter aid or Rihanna’s Texas visit, but with a grassroots twist. Tyrus’s Fox affiliation adds a political layer, challenging liberal-dominated narratives, while his wrestling past—where he earned the NWA World Heavyweight Championship—lends a larger-than-life quality. The children’s survival, against a backdrop of 30 child deaths, offers hope, though the missing 160 temper the joy. Memes of “Canoe Tyrus” blend humor with pride, reflecting a public seeking heroes in crisis.
Details are emerging. The canoe, borrowed from a Hunt resident, was a basic model, with Tyrus using a paddle and rope, guided by instinct. The rescue took 45 minutes, with National Guard support, and no injuries reported. His family, including wife Ingrid, stayed back, adding a personal stake. No official award is confirmed, though local praise suggests recognition. The flood’s ongoing toll—roads impassable, power lines down—frames his act as a fleeting victory.
For viewers, the story is accessible via X videos, Fox News interviews, and The Dallas Morning News, with no live stream due to privacy. Watching tips include focusing on the canoe footage for heroism, contrasting with Ruskan’s 165 saves for context. Alternatives like flood relief updates or Tyrus’s Gutfeld! clips offer insight, but this rescue stands out. As July 10, 2025, unfolds, Tyrus’s canoe heroics and heartfelt words leave a lasting mark on a grieving Texas.
