Texas father dies saving fiancée, children, and mother during flash floods
Julian Ryan, 27, helped his family escape their trailer as rising waters struck Ingram, Texas, early Friday morning. His quick actions saved four lives — but cost him his own.
A young Texas father sacrificed his life to save his fiancée, two young children, and his mother during flash floods that struck Kerr County over the Fourth of July weekend. His last words were a goodbye to those he protected.
When floodwaters began rising around 4 a.m. Friday, Julian Ryan was at home in a trailer in Ingram, Texas, with his fiancée Christina Wilson, their 6-year-old and 13-month-old children, and his mother. Within minutes, water filled the home.
There was no time for help. Julian acted on instinct.
He broke a window to give his family a path to the roof. But in the process, he severed an artery — a severe injury that Christina said nearly took his arm off.
“By 6 o’clock my husband was dead,” she told KHOU 11. “He looked at me and the kids, my mother-in-law and said, ‘Sorry I’m not going to make it, I love y’all.’”
His actions saved them all
Christina, their children, and Julian’s mother all survived. When the water finally receded, Christina found Julian’s body. It took hours before responders could reach him.
His mother called him “the hero of this story.” Christina said simply: “He gave everything so we could live.”
Julian’s death is one of at least 82 linked to the widespread flooding across Texas. Kerr County, where his family lived, was among the areas hardest hit. At least 28 of the victims were children.
Statewide emergency and rescue efforts
Officials say more than a month’s worth of rain fell in just a few hours. Rivers like the Guadalupe surged by more than 26 feet. Texas has declared a state of emergency, with helicopters, rescue divers, high-water vehicles, and over 100 state troopers deployed to help.
Among the responders was U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskin, credited with saving 165 people.
Governor Greg Abbott pledged continued efforts: “We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person.”
Christina says her family wants something more than sympathy — they want action. She’s calling for early warning systems like flood sirens to prevent other families from facing similar danger.
“He shouldn’t have had to die,” she said.
A GoFundMe created for Julian’s family has raised more than $90,000 to help with expenses.
Julian Ryan didn’t serve in uniform. He wasn’t trained for emergencies. But when disaster struck, he made a choice that saved four lives. His family will remember him for that choice — and hope others will, too.
