The devastating Texas floods on July 4 not only destroyed homes and communities, but also tore families apart. In Kerr County, 27-year-old Julian Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice to save his loved ones.
As torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet within hours, authorities declared a state of emergency. Ryan’s home quickly filled with water. Acting swiftly, he punched through a window to create an escape route, but the glass severed an artery in his arm.
Despite his severe injury, Julian helped his fiancée Christinia Wilson, their children, and his mother to safety. But he couldn’t save himself. “By six o’clock, he was dead. He’d lost all his blood,” Christinia recalled. His last words were heartbreaking: “I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love you all.”
Emergency crews were unable to reach the family in time. His body was recovered hours later, once waters receded. His sister, Connie Salas, called him a hero, and his mother echoed, “He’s the hero of this story.”
A GoFundMe page was created to help the family cope with the sudden loss and financial strain.
In response to the disaster, Texas mobilized over 100 state troopers, rescue helicopters, boats, and divers. Governor Greg Abbott vowed to use every resource available to rescue and support survivors. President Trump called the flooding “a terrible thing.”
As of now, 81 lives have been lost, including children, and one person remains missing. Julian Ryan’s selfless bravery stands as a powerful reminder of love and sacrifice amid disaster.
