Teen driver in viral tornado truck video was leaving a Whataburger interview

March 24, 2022

The teen driver of the tornado-spun Texas truck is speaking out about his experience.

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Since Monday, March 21, he has been an anonymous social media phenomenon. A viral video hit timelines showing a tornado spinning a truck in Elgin “like paper,” before the driver sped off. Viewers questioned who the fearless driver was and if they were OK. We now have an answer.

Sixteen-year-old Riley Leon spoke to Fox 4, an Austin news station, about his experience. Leon, an Austin native, is a junior in high school and was leaving an interview at Whataburger when he drove into the path of the tornado by accident. Leon told the news station that he’s still in shock, but is generally doing OK and was able to go home with a few minor cuts.

Storm chaser Brian Emfinger captured one of the most-popular views of the red truck being swept on its side by the tornado, spun 360 degrees on the driver side, then flipped up on all for wheels. After which, the truck drives off on its original route, away from the cyclone.

Leon describes his point of view in the video as being “thrown like paper.” The now-famous red Chevy has been in the Leon family for years, he told Fox 4. Though the video shows the teen was able to drive the truck out of frame, Leon says it’s “gone” and still in Elgin.

Leon says he was aware of the weather threats before he left his home, but didn’t think he’d be in the same place as the tornado. He told the news station, it’s a lesson learned and warns everyone to stay home and not jeopardize their life in similar situations.

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