The final words of a heroic father who gave his life to save his fiancée and children during the catastrophic Texas flash floods have been revealed — and they’re breaking hearts across the country.
Julian Ryan, 27, died on July 4 after floodwaters from the Guadalupe River ripped through central Texas, submerging entire neighborhoods and claiming at least 82 lives. Among the dead were 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a nearby all-girls Christian summer camp.
Julian was at home in Ingram with his fiancée, Christina Wilson, and their three children when the flood hit in the early hours of the morning.
“He looked at me, the kids, and his mother and said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,’” Christina told KHOU in a tearful interview.
Water began rushing into their home so fast that it was already up to their knees within 20 minutes. “It just started pouring in,” Christina recalled. “We had to fight the door to get it closed. We ran back into the room and started calling 911. But it just kept coming. We had no choice but to get out.”
Julian’s final act was one of pure courage — he punched through a window to create an escape route for his loved ones. But in doing so, the glass shredded his arm, leaving him critically wounded. Emergency crews were unable to reach them in time. Julian died hours later from blood loss.
“He Died a Hero” A GoFundMe launched in Julian’s memory calls him “a true hero” and describes the unbearable loss faced by his family.
“Julian gave his life for his family,” the post reads. “While they are eternally grateful for his sacrifice, they are shattered by the loss. He was a cherished son, father, fiancé, brother, uncle, and friend — a man known for his infectious laugh and kind heart.”
The fundraiser notes that alongside emotional devastation, the family is facing steep financial hardship following the sudden tragedy. “We hope to help ease the overwhelming financial burden that comes with such a loss.”
The flooding in central Texas is one of the deadliest in recent history. Waters from the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes before daybreak on Friday, wiping out homes and sweeping away vehicles.
Rescue efforts remain underway as at least 41 people are still missing — including 10 young girls and a camp counselor from Camp Mystic. Officials warn that further flooding could strike as torrential rains continue across the region.
President Trump has dispatched federal emergency aid to assist state and local response teams, though criticism remains over delayed evacuation orders in flood-prone zones.
As the community mourns, one thing is certain: Julian Ryan’s final act of love will not be forgotten.