Growing up in North Texas, there are a few things that we Texans have become accustomed to, like incredible sunsets, the open range, and friendly people. Another thing that never disappoints is the thunderstorm season which usually fires up in late April. And since we’re in Tornado Alley, it’s not uncommon to see one or two of these a year, especially if you’re trying to find them. And while no one in their right mind would want to be inside a tornado, sometimes it happens. Just ask Riley Leon.
Riley was headed home from a job interview at Whataburger when mother nature took him and his beloved Chevrolet for a ride. Unfortunately, the red Silverado was in the path of a tornado that tossed it around like a HotWheels. By now, most have seen the video as the truck gets flipped on its side, spins around, and flipped back on the tires. Amazingly, Riley then drives the Silverado down the road.
As you can imagine, the truck was in bad shape, with most of the glass busted out and the driverside dented and banged up from rotating on the asphalt. However, there is good news to this story. Riley was not hurt in the incident, and Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet gave him a brand new Silverado pickup to replace the storm-ridden truck. They also cut him a $15,000 check to help with expenses.
Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet said, “Chevrolet, together with Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet of Fort Worth, TX, are donating a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT All Star Edition in Cherry Red to Riley Leon and his family after he survived a powerful tornado while driving in his Silverado. We are thankful Riley is safe, commend his driving skills during a frightening situation, and our hearts are with other families in Texas that have been affected by these storms. To help aid the recovery efforts in Texas, Chevy Cares is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Due to the quick action of the team at Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet, the new truck will be presented to Riley and his family on Saturday, March 26, at the dealership.”
While chasing tornados is one thing, being flipped over and spun around is another. And having a bout with mother nature to get a new Silverado sounds excellent; it certainly looks less than ideal. We’re just glad things worked out the way they did. Also, Riley did land the job from Whataburger, which we figured would happen. Because who wouldn’t want to hire someone that’s gone toe to toe with a tornado and lived to tell the tale?