Tragedy After Celebration: San Antonio Father Swept Away by Floodwaters Hours After 51st Birthday; Family Demands Answers
SAN ANTONIO — June 17, 2025 — Grief hangs heavy over the Tufono family following the tragic death of 51-year-old Matthew Angel Tufono, who was swept away by powerful floodwaters in San Antonio just hours after celebrating his birthday. His family is not only mourning a devastating and untimely loss but also searching for answers about how and why Matthew ended up on a flooded access road where his life was suddenly and violently taken.
“He had no reason to be on that road,” said Tyson Tufono, one of Matthew’s six children. “He had just turned 51 the night before the flood.” For the family, the timing adds an even deeper layer of heartbreak — what should have been a joyful milestone turned into a nightmare they never imagined.
Matthew was on his way to work on Thursday morning, a routine part of his daily life, when the tragedy unfolded. He had reportedly been traveling along Loop 410 when, for reasons still unclear, he ended up on the access road near Perrin Beitel. It was there that his car was overtaken by raging floodwaters, a grim reminder of how quickly severe weather can turn deadly.
According to Tyson, the family believes that Matthew may have been redirected off the highway due to a stalled vehicle, though official confirmation has not yet been given. “As he was headed that way, I guess he was directed off the highway because of a stalled car,” Tyson explained. “From there, we’re still gathering the details about what happened after that.”
The San Antonio Police Department has not yet clarified the exact sequence of events that led to Matthew being on the access road. When asked whether officers were directing traffic off Loop 410 due to hazardous conditions or stalled vehicles, SAPD referred all questions to the City of San Antonio, leaving the family in a painful limbo of unanswered questions.
Remembering a Beloved Father
The Tufono family’s pain is made all the more acute by the memory of the man they lost. Matthew was not just a father — he was a larger-than-life personality who brought warmth, laughter, and joy to everyone around him.
“My dad was the life of the party,” said Tyson. “Anybody who knows my dad will probably tell you that. He was always laughing and joking.” It’s those moments — the contagious laughter, the unshakeable optimism, the quick wit — that his children are now clinging to.
“He taught us to be strong in moments like this,” Tyson added. “To lean on each other. So yeah, it’s definitely a tough loss.”
Matthew’s presence was a guiding light for his family — a father of six, a mentor, a friend, and a man whose humor could lighten even the darkest mood. Now, the Tufono siblings are doing what he always taught them to do: standing together, supporting each other, and holding tight to their father’s enduring spirit.
A Community Reckoning with Flood Dangers
As the Tufonos grieve, their story has sparked renewed concerns across San Antonio about flood safety and emergency response procedures. The incident raises questions about traffic management during extreme weather and whether drivers were adequately warned about flooded or hazardous roadways. Flash flooding is a known risk in the region, and even a few inches of fast-moving water can be fatal.
City officials have yet to respond publicly to the Tufono family’s concerns, and an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death has not been announced. In the meantime, the family is left trying to fill in the blanks while dealing with a grief that feels both raw and surreal.
A Call for Answers and Accountability
For Tyson and his siblings, honoring their father means not only remembering the vibrant man he was but also pursuing clarity about what happened that tragic morning. “We just want to understand how this could have happened,” Tyson said. “We’re not looking to blame. We just want answers.”
As the community offers condolences and support, the Tufono family is asking for transparency and urgency in reviewing how traffic was managed during the flood, and what measures can be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Matthew Angel Tufono’s death is a painful loss — not just for his family but for all who knew him. His laughter, love, and light will be remembered, even as the circumstances of his passing remain a source of sadness and unresolved questions.
The Tufonos hope that by sharing their story, others will be reminded of the unpredictable danger that floodwaters present — and that their father’s memory will help push for better safety and preparedness for all San Antonians.
Would you like help drafting a memorial or obituary notice for Matthew, or perhaps a public statement on behalf of the family?