Rescued from the Brink: Belton Teen’s Flood Story Emerges

As the aftereffects of the floods in Central Texas continue to be seen, stories of rescue have begun to appear. For Riata Schoepf, things got very scary for her and especially for her father, Ronnie Schoepf, who didn't know if she'd make it home safely.

Where Was Riata When The Flooding Situation Began?

According to KWTX, Riata was in Hunt, Texas over the fourth of July weekend. The hotel that she and the family she was staying with was placed close to the Guadalupe River. Problems began around 2:30 PM on July 4th.

Ronnie Schoepf told KWTX:“ She says around 2:30 or so she’s hearing loud thunder and lightning and then the next thing she knew somebody’s banging on her door telling everybody they need to get out.” Acting quickly, Riata and the family made their way to their vehicle to leave the area.

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But due to traffic not moving, and the water quickly closing around the car, the family and Riata abandoned the car, but were caught in the fast flowing water. Eventually, due to water current, Riata and the family were left stranded on top of a house.

Was Ronnie Schoepf Able To Reach Riata?

While Riata was in a difficult situation, Ronnie was at the business he owns, Schoepf’s BBQ. As soon as Ronnie learned of the flooding situation, he left the eatery and hurried to try and bring his daughter home.

In Ronnie's words: “I took off driving in the rain and I got all the way to the other side of Marble Falls and the phone rang and they had been told that they weren’t gonna get out."

18 hours later, when things seemed bleak, Riata and the family were finally saved by first responders. Ronnie was said “I think there was relief knowing that she’s not sitting on a rooftop.”