Horrible stories have emerged from all the extreme flash flooding in Texas, but I want to bring you a story about a hero.
This one is is tragic too, but what a true hero in the midst of catastrophic danger.
Meet 27-year-old Julian Ryan, the man who saved his fiancée, their two young children, and his mother as sudden, catastrophic flash floods swamped their trailer home near the banks of the Guadalupe River.
💔 A Hero Lost in the Floods
Ingram’s heartbreaking flood tragedy claimed the life of 27-year-old Julian Ryan, a young man who gave everything to save his family.
As raging floodwaters trapped his fiancée, children, and mother-in-law in their mobile home near the Guadalupe River,… pic.twitter.com/KgYZYDCREF— Texas Trucker (@Andersonj2273) July 5, 2025
My friends over at The Gateway Pundit tell his incredible and heroic story:
According to Ryan’s fiancée, Christina Wilson, water began flooding their home shortly after 4 a.m.
“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 told WLOX. “We went back to the room and started calling 911.”
With water rising to waist level, Julian made a desperate decision. He punched through a window to create an escape route, an action that severed a major artery in his arm. Despite repeated 911 calls, first responders were delayed and unable to arrive in time.
As he bled heavily, Julian gathered his strength to comfort his loved ones one last time.
“By six, my husband was dead. He had lost all of his blood. He looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,’” she said.
Within minutes, the water surged in with such force it tore the trailer apart—allowing Christina, the children, and his mother to escape to safety. Ryan’s body was found hours later as floodwaters receded.
Friends and family describe Julian as a warm, selfless man with an infectious smile. “He is the hero in this story,” said sister Connie Salas.
Dad dies after almost cutting arm ‘clean off’ while trying to save family in Texas flooding: ‘I’m not going to make it’ https://t.co/wkNBdOWiym pic.twitter.com/lgU44v5o8Q
— New York Post (@nypost) July 6, 2025
A GoFundMe was launched to help the bereaved family:
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the unexpected and tragic passing of our beloved Julian Ryan on July 4th, 2025. Julian, his fiancé, kids, and mother were awakened when water came rushing into their home. Julian jumped into action to protect and save his family and get them to safety.
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. Julian was a beloved son, father, fiancé, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many, and his sudden departure has left an unfillable void in all our lives.
Julian was a cherished son and devoted parent and fiancé who was dedicated to his family. He was known to have an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness. He touched countless lives with his humor and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
This unimaginable tragic loss has left his mother, fiancé, brothers, and sister facing not only immense emotional pain but also significant unforeseen financial burden. We are hoping to help alleviate the unforeseen financial burdens that come with such a sudden tragedy.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this incredibly challenging time.
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