Hero father dies saving family from rising water during Texas' flash floods

A 27-year-old Texas father died heroically on the morning of July 4 after saving his fiancée, children, and mother during the devastating flash floods that swept through the state.

The flooding, caused by a sudden surge from the Guadalupe River that rose 30 feet above its normal level, tore through Julian Ryan’s family’s home in Ingram. Ryan’s fiancée, Christinia Wilson, described the floodwaters rising with terrifying speed, saying it was at knee level in only 20 minutes.

“[Water] just started pouring in, we had to fight the door to get it closed tried to hold the door closed, just so that too much didn't come in,” Wilson explained to KHOU. “We ran back into the room and we started calling 911 but it just kept coming. We had no choice but to get out.”

As water filled their home, Ryan punched through a window to help his family escape to the roof. In doing so, he suffered a severe injury that nearly severed his arm, with glass cutting an artery.

“It almost cut it clean off,” Wilson said.

Despite his injuries, Ryan successfully got his family to safety on the roof. Emergency responders were unable to reach them in time, and Ryan ultimately succumbed to blood loss from his wounds.

“He looked at me, the kids, and his mother and said, ‘I'm sorry, I'm not going to make it. I love y'all,’” Wilson recalled. 

Ryan’s body was recovered later that day after the water receded. His family and community have praised him as a hero.

“He died a hero,” said his sister, Connie Salas. “That will never go unnoticed.”

“He's the kindest person I've ever met in my life,” added friend Kris Roberts. “I'll forever love him no matter what.”

In the wake of his death, Ryan’s family is calling for better flood preparedness. They said that had they received an emergency siren alert, they could have evacuated in time. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover funeral expenses.

“Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero,” the fundraiser statement read. “While we are eternally grateful for his sacrifice, we are shattered by our loss. His sudden departure has left an unfillable void in all our lives.”

“He was known to have an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness. He touched countless lives with his humor and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the family added.

According to NBC News, the death toll from the flash floods has risen to 51 across five counties. Kerr County alone has reported 43 deaths, including 15 children.