A Texas family has shared the devastating final moments of a young father who died trying to save his loved ones from the catastrophic flooding that struck the Hill Country over the July 4 weekend.
Julian Ryan, 27, was at home in Ingram with his fiancée, Christinia Wilson, their children, and his mother when floodwaters from the Guadalupe River began rising rapidly on Friday morning, CBS affiliate KHOU reported.
“In less than half an hour, water was inside the house,” Wilson recalled. “It just started pouring in, and we had to fight the door to keep it closed so not too much got in. We went back to the room and started calling 911.”
As the water climbed higher, Julian realized the family was running out of time to escape. In a desperate attempt to get everyone to safety, he punched out a window. But the action came at a terrible cost.
“It severed his artery in his arm and almost cut it clean off,” Wilson said.
Despite repeated calls to 911, help couldn’t reach them in time. Bleeding heavily, Julian shared an emotional goodbye with the people he loved most.
“I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,” he told them.
His body wasn’t recovered until hours later, after the flood receded.
“He was a good man,” Wilson told PEOPLE. “Strong and loving and always happy. He tried to save us, and we will forever be grateful and miss him.”
Family and friends praised Julian’s courage and kindness in the wake of his death.
“He is the hero in this story,” said his sister, Connie Salas. His best friend, Kris Roberts, added, “He’s the kindest person I’ve ever met in my life, and I’ll forever love him no matter what.”
A GoFundMe created to help with funeral costs described Julian as “a cherished son and devoted parent and fiancé who was dedicated to his family.” The page noted, “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.”
Wilson said she sees Julian every day in their son. “He’s still with us,” she shared.
As of Sunday morning, July 6, officials confirmed that more than 50 people had died in the flooding. Many others remained missing, including campers from Camp Mystic, grandparents, and entire families swept away by the rising waters.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a Day of Prayer across the state, promising resources for Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and other devastated communities.
Ryan’s family believes more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. “If there had been flood sirens, we would have left,” Wilson said. “We had so many places that were safe.”
