Fiancée Shares the Heart-Wrenching Final Words of the Father Who Lost His Life Saving His Family in Texas Floods

What made Julian Ryan a true Texas flood hero in the eyes of his family?

In the early hours of July 4, 2025, a small town in Texas faced a nightmare. The Guadalupe River, swollen by heavy rains, surged into homes, catching families off guard.

Among those fighting for survival was a young father whose bravery would leave a lasting mark on his community.

This is the story of a man who gave everything to save his loved ones.

Texas Flood Hero: A Race Against the Water

27-year-old Julian Ryan was at home in Ingram, Texas, with his fiancée, Christinia Wilson, their two young children, and his mother when disaster struck.

Around 4 a.m., floodwaters from the Guadalupe River rushed into their trailer home. In just 20 minutes, the water was knee-deep, and the family was trapped.

Christinia recalled their desperate struggle to keep the door closed against the rising flood. “We called 911, but the water kept coming,” she said.

Julian acted fast. He punched through a window to create an escape route for his family to reach the roof. But the broken glass severed an artery in his arm, causing severe bleeding.

Despite his injury, he stayed focused on getting his fiancée, children, and mother to safety. As the water rose to their chins, Julian knew he wouldn’t make it.

Heartbreaking Final Words

For KHOU 11, his fiancée said: “By 6 o’clock my husband was dead, he had lost all of his blood. He looked at me and the kids, my mother in law and said”

“I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all.”

Those were his last words. The trailer was torn apart by the flood’s force, but Christinia, the children, and Julian’s mother escaped to the roof and were later rescued. His sister, Connie Salas, called him a hero.

“He gave his life for us,” she said. “That will never be forgotten.”

The family believes better warnings, like flood sirens, could have saved lives. “We would have left if we’d known,” Christinia said. “We had places to go.”

A GoFundMe page for the family has raised over $88,000, showing the community’s support for Julian’s sacrifice.

Friends and loved ones remember him as a kind, joyful man who always helped others, no matter the cost.

Kris Roberts, his best friend, said, “He’s the kindest person I’ve ever met in my life, and I’ll forever love him no matter what.”

A Community in Grief

The floods in Kerr County were devastating, claiming at least 51 lives, including 15 children. The nearby Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, was hit hard, with 27 girls still missing as of July 7, 2025.

Rescue teams are searching through debris and dangerous waters, but hope is fading. The community is mourning not only Julian but others like Reece Zunker, a beloved soccer coach, and his wife, Paula, who also died in the floods.

Julian’s story is a reminder of the strength found in love and sacrifice. His actions saved his family, but his loss leaves a deep void.

“He was the best father,” Christinia said. “He’s still with us in our son’s smile.”

As Texas recovers, Julian Ryan’s courage will be remembered as a light in one of the state’s darkest moments.

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