The recent floods in Texas have brought widespread devastation, and one heartbreaking story stands out about a father who gave his life to protect his fiancée and their children.A state of emergency has been declared across several counties after fast-moving floodwaters swept through the area on July 4, catching many off guard.
Authorities say that in just a few hours, enough rain fell to equal an entire month’s worth, causing the Guadalupe River to surge up to 26 feet—a level considered extremely dangerous.
Officials have confirmed that, so far, at least 50 lives have been lost in the flooding, including 15 children, adding to the tragedy unfolding across the region.Kerr County has been named as one of the areas hit hardest. And it’s here that one man sacrificed everything to save the people he loved most—his fiancée, their two children, and his own mother.
Julian Ryan, just 27 years old, died after suffering massive blood loss when he broke through a window to help his family escape their flooding home.
Julian Ryan is one of the 50 people who has been confirmed to have died as a result of the floods in TexasKHOU 11
Julian’s fiancée, Christina Wilson, along with his mother and their two young kids—aged six and just 13 months were all fast asleep in their trailer in Ingram when floodwaters rushed in and woke them around 4 a.m. on Friday morning.Julian smashed a window to help them reach the roof and safety. But in the process, he reportedly severed an artery in his arm. Christina later said his arm was almost ‘cut clean off’ when he punched through the glass.
She and other family members spoke with local news, praising Julian’s brave actions. They also shared the deeply emotional words he spoke in his final moments.
Julian’s mother described her son as nothing short of a hero, saying he was ‘the hero of this story’.The family is now calling for better systems to be put in place to prevent tragedies like this in the future. They believe flood sirens or earlier warnings could have saved lives.
Col. Freeman Martin, who heads the Texas Department of Public Safety, shared during a briefing on Friday: “We brought in over 100 troopers this morning. And they’ve worked all day, rescues, high water vehicles, boats, rescue divers, seven rescue helicopters with hoist capabilities.”
