Heroic Father Dies Saving Family in Texas Floods
Over the Fourth of July weekend, deadly flash floods swept through parts of Texas, claiming dozens of lives — including 27-year-old Julian Ryan of Ingram.
When floodwaters hit around 4 a.m. Friday, Julian, his fiancée Christina Wilson, their two young children, and his mother were trapped in their trailer. With no time to wait for help, Julian broke a window to get them to safety, severely injuring himself in the process.
“By 6 o’clock my husband was dead,” Christina said. “He looked at me and the kids and said, ‘Sorry I’m not going to make it. I love y’all.’”
Julian’s actions saved his entire family, but he died from blood loss. “He gave everything so we could live,” said Christina.
At least 82 people have died in the historic floods, including 28 children. Kerr County, where Julian lived, was among the hardest hit. A state of emergency has been declared, with hundreds of rescue personnel deployed.
Julian’s family is now pushing for improved flood warning systems. “He shouldn’t have had to die,” Christina said.
A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $88,000.