SAD NEWS : John Foster Confirms a Family Member Was Swept Away by Texas Floodwaters — The Family Is Now Desperately Searching Amid a Heartbreaking Ordeal. “I Told Her Not to Go—The Weather Was So Bad,” His Mother Says Through Tears.
Texas | July 8, 2025 – As Texas grapples with one of the most devastating floods in its history, a piece of news has left the nation reeling with sorrow: John Foster, the beloved American Idol runner-up known for his soulful voice and gentle spirit, has confirmed that his aunt was swept away by floodwaters while on a work trip in Texas.
The tragedy is not just a personal one — it’s a reflection of the thousands of families affected by this disaster. But what makes this story pierce the heart even deeper is the emotional testimony of John’s mother, and the haunting regret that lingers in her voice.
“I Told Her Not to Go…” — A Mother’s Plea and the Cry That Followed
In a brief, tear-filled press conference last night, Margaret Foster, John’s mother, broke down as she spoke about her younger sister — Teresa Foster, 44 years old — who has been missing since Saturday morning after her vehicle was reportedly swept away near Travis County, Texas.
“I told her not to go… I begged her. I said the weather’s too dangerous. But she said it was an important meeting. She thought she could handle it,” Margaret said, her voice cracking. “And then… she was gone.”
John Foster stood silently behind his mother, his eyes swollen with grief. He didn’t speak much, only nodded, confirming what she said. In that moment, America didn’t see a celebrity or a rising star. They saw a nephew, heartbroken and helpless, searching for someone he loved like a second mother.
The Final Call and a Journey That Should Never Have Happened
According to the Foster family, Aunt Teresa was an environmental consultant traveling to the Austin–San Marcos region to attend a post-disaster recovery summit. Despite weather warnings, she left early Saturday, determined to make it to the event.
At around 6 a.m. on July 5, she made her last phone call to her sister, Margaret.
“She said she was just 20 minutes from the hotel… then suddenly, the line cut out. I called back and all I could hear was rushing water and wind… then nothing.”
Eyewitnesses near the Lower Colorado River reported seeing a silver SUV being swept off the road by powerful floodwaters around that same time. Search crews have since focused their efforts on that stretch of water, but so far, neither the vehicle nor any trace of Teresa has been found.
John Foster: “I Didn’t Keep My Promise to Her”
In a heartfelt Instagram post this morning, John Foster finally addressed the tragedy publicly:
“I was raised by my mom and Aunt Teresa. When my dad passed away, it was my aunt who taught me to play guitar, who drove me to my first audition in Baton Rouge. She always said, ‘You’re going places, John.’ I promised her I’d take her to the Grand Ole Opry stage with me when I made it big… I don’t know if I’ll ever get to keep that promise now.”
The post garnered over 3 million interactions within hours. Fans, fellow Idol contestants, and country artists flooded the comments with messages of prayer and support.
A Desperate Search — But They’re Not Giving Up
Local search and rescue officials report that the area where Teresa is believed to have gone missing is still heavily flooded, with treacherous mud and strong currents hindering access.
John Foster and several family members flew to Austin yesterday afternoon to personally join the rescue effort. According to his team, he has canceled all performances and studio sessions for the next two weeks to focus on finding his aunt.
“John doesn’t want to just wait for news. He put on boots, grabbed a flashlight, and started walking the flood zone. He’s knocking on doors, talking to rescue workers, saying, ‘Even the smallest clue… please, let me help.’” – a volunteer close to the search team shared.
The Woman Behind the Stage Lights
For those who followed John’s rise from humble beginnings to Idol stardom, Teresa Foster might not be a familiar name. But behind the scenes, she was everything.
“She was the one who bought John his first guitar. The one who drove him to every small-town gig. He always called her ‘the keeper of my dream,’” a longtime family friend revealed.
A Nation Prays with Foster
Not only fans, but several country music legends have publicly shared their support. Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan all posted messages of solidarity and prayer for the Foster family.
Country icon George Strait, one of John’s biggest inspirations, even made a personal call.
“I told him that here in Texas, we never stop looking for those we love. We search until there’s no hope left — and sometimes, miracles happen when you least expect it,” George said.
A Sliver of Hope Amidst the Pain
It’s been over three days since Teresa went missing, but the family clings to hope. They believe that if she found shelter, or is still trapped somewhere nearby, she is fighting to survive.
John recorded a short video that he shared in his Instagram story late last night:
“My aunt is strong. She’s a fighter. If anyone can make it through something like this… it’s her.”
Final Thoughts
As Texas mourns its dead and counts its losses, the Foster family’s story is just one among many. But something about it has struck a chord nationwide — maybe because John Foster is no longer just a singer on a stage, but a grieving young man, facing a storm of the heart.
