Father Fatally Injured While Saving Family in Texas Flood, Nearly Cutting Arm ‘Clean Off’: 'I'm Not Going to Make It'
A father in Texas died while heroically trying to rescue his family from rising floodwaters, suffering a severe injury as he broke through a window in their home. Julian Ryan, 27, was with his mother, fiancée Christinia Wilson, and their two young children when the Guadalupe River overflowed, inundating their trailer home early Friday morning.
At approximately 4 a.m., the family was jolted awake by the rushing water. “It just started pouring in, and we had to fight the door to get it closed to make sure not too much got in,” Wilson recounted in an interview.
As the water surged into their bedroom, Ryan made a desperate decision. With their two children already on a floating mattress, he punched through a window to create an escape route. This act resulted in a catastrophic injury; he severed an artery in his arm, nearly amputating it entirely, according to family members.
Despite Wilson's frantic calls to 911, help did not arrive in time. “I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,” Ryan told his family as he succumbed to his injuries in the flooded room.
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The floodwaters continued to rise, ultimately tearing the trailer apart. Wilson and the children managed to escape but were left without their courageous father. “He was the best father and was always such a happy person who was never above helping people, no matter what it cost,” she said.
A GoFundMe campaign established in Ryan's memory has raised over $25,000, highlighting his sacrifice: “Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero. While his family is eternally grateful for his sacrifice, they are shattered by their loss.”
Ryan’s body was recovered hours later as floodwaters in Kerr County began to recede. The devastating flash flood has claimed at least 43 lives, including 15 children, with reports indicating that 22 girls from a nearby Christian summer camp remain unaccounted for.
