Hero of the Week: Food Truck Owner Rescues Flash Flood Victim

In June, 2026 a storm generated flash flooding around Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Fortunately for one driver who was caught in a flash flood, Miguel Morales was nearby and helped pull the driver in the submerged car to safety. Miguel is this week's hero.

(Photo: Miguel is working hard cooking. Credit: Miguel’s Tacon Madre)

ABOUT MIGUEL AND HIS BUSINESS - Miguel’s Tacon Madre is the name of the Food Truck owned by Miguel. It is a vibrant, flavor-packed trailer bringing the taste of Mexico straight to Cape Girardeau. From home made birria and handmade gorditas to bold, authentic salsas, this trailer serves Mexican street-food in the most traditional way. Located at 408 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701  (901) 277-1388   

Cape Girardeau man honored for heroic flash flooding rescue  

By Heartland News, Jun. 15, 2026

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The Cape Girardeau City Council honored a local hero at its Monday night meeting.

Business owner Miguel Morales received an official proclamation from city leaders for his service and dedication to helping others during a time of need.

Man rescues driver from submerged vehicle during flash flooding

On June 8, heavy rainfall in Cape Girardeau caused flash flooding throughout the city and surrounding areas.

During this time, a driver became trapped in a flooded vehicle, and Morales, who was working at his food truck, saw the emergency and saved the stranded individual--despite the dangerous conditions and rapidly rising floodwaters.

(Photo: One person was injured and rescued from a flooded vehicle on South Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, Mo.(KFVS))

On June 15, the city recognized Morales’s compassion, courage and public service, stating that “he demonstrated extraordinary bravery, selflessness and concern for the safety and well-being of a fellow community member.”

Community supports hero’s food truck after flood rescue The driver’s family also shared the following statement, thanking Morales for his heroism: “Thomas Beasley [the driver] and family would like to express our deepest gratitude for all of the prayers and outpouring support. We will never be able to thank Miguel Morales, paramedics, EMTs, and the fire department enough for saving such a vital member of our family. If it wasn’t for Miguel, the last seven days would look a lot different. Mr. Morales showed true selflessness and bravery, not traits we hear about often in this day and age. He is an example of what we should strive to be. Forever our hero, from the bottom of hearts, thank you.”

(Photo:  Miguel’s Tacon Madre food truck)