Rockport man from iconic Harvey photo hopes story will bring help to devastated neighborhood

Photo appeared on newscasts, websites around world

ROCKPORT – They took his picture, but they never told his story.

Steve Culver said he didn't want to become famous. He just wanted help for his community.

A picture of Culver crying in his wheelchair, clinging to his dog Otis went viral after Harvey pummeled Rockport. The photo appeared on newscasts and websites across the globe.

One month later, forgetting the events that led up to the photo is close to impossible.

"It was the scariest night of my life," Culver said of the night Harvey hit. "We had flying glass all over us. When the roof lifted off and the house just kind of semi exploded and windows started shattering."

The aftermath was impossible for Culver to bear.

"When I saw it outside I just, I broke down," Culver said.

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Some time passed before Culver discovered a picture taken of him was circulating internationally.

"I hope it does some good," Culver said "I hope it does some good for people on Davis Loop and for people in the coastal bend of Texas."

For now, Culver plans to stay at his house while volunteers and the property owner help him repair it. 

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"We're here and alive and we're glad for the experience and I never want to have it again," Culver said.

He hopes his story will inspire people to come and help his neighborhood on Davis Loop.


About the Author

Courtney Friedman anchors KSAT’s weekend evening shows and reports during the week. Her ongoing Loving in Fear series confronts Bexar County’s domestic violence epidemic. She joined KSAT in 2014 and is proud to call the SA and South Texas community home. She came to San Antonio from KYTX CBS 19 in Tyler, where she also anchored & reported.

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