BUDA, Texas — A weekend outing on Lake Travis turned life-threatening for a family when a boat fire erupted, leaving a 16-year-old hero to save his mother.
Mathew Hellums and his parents were at the South Shore Marina on April 26, working on their family boat when disaster struck. The calm day quickly transformed into chaos as flames engulfed the vessel. “Everything turned orange; it felt like a scene from a nightmare,” Mathew said.
In the midst of the frightening situation, Mathew and his father, Robby Hellums, managed to stay out of the water but were horrified to see his mother, Earlita, struggling and floating away. Faced with a dire choice, Mathew dove in, driven by a sense of urgency. “This is my mom; I have to get her out,” he recalled. “She’s always there for me, and I needed to do this for her.”
Once he reached his mother, he ensured she remained conscious while maneuvering her to safety. They spent nearly an hour waiting on the shore for emergency responders to arrive. “It felt surreal — like we had guardian angels,” Mathew remarked, recalling a lake otter that swam up to them during their wait.
The Travis County Fire Marshal reported that the fire originated from a fuel leak in the yacht, leading to an explosion that caused severe injuries. Mathew and his father are currently recovering from second- and third-degree burns, while Earlita remains hospitalized with broken legs.
Although faced with a long journey to recovery, Mathew expressed gratitude for the life he and his family still share. “I’m thankful I didn’t have to say goodbye just yet,” he said. “Every moment is a gift; I plan to live each day as if it could be my last.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and a detailed report is anticipated soon. The family’s ordeal has also sparked a community discussion about safety measures on the water, emphasizing the importance of diligence and preparedness while enjoying recreational activities.