A father of two tragically died from blood loss after almost completely cutting his arm while attempting to save his fiancée, children, and mother from a trailer engulfed by lethal floodwaters in Texas.
Julian Ryan, 27, punched out a trailer window to help his family escape as water surged into their home at 4 am on July 4.
His injury was catastrophic, but his only concern was for his loved ones.
“I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,” Julian told them with his final breath, his fiancée Christinia Wilson said.
The dad-of-two lost consciousness and died after severing an artery, but not before getting his family to safety.
The horror unfolded in Ingram, central Texas, where devastating flash floods have killed more than 100 people and left dozens missing.
Julian, who worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant, was asleep in a trailer with his fiancée, their 6-year-old and 13-month-old kids, and his mother Marilyn when the flood struck early on Friday.
Water began pouring into their bedroom, quickly rising to waist height and lifting the mattress.
Christina said the kids were placed on top of the floating mattress while the adults looked for a way out.
Julian smashed the glass window to reach the roof, but the jagged edges nearly severed his arm.
As he bled out, others tried calling 911, but help never came.
The trailer broke apart from the force of the floodwaters, and the rest of the family managed to escape.
“He died trying to save us… He was the best father and was always such a happy person who was never above helping people,” Christinia told KHOU.
A GoFundMe set up by relatives said Julian gave his life “passing as a true hero.” Nearly $30,000 has been raised.
The disaster was triggered by surging water from the Guadalupe River that tore through cabins, campsites, and homes across several counties.
At Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, dozens of children were swept away.
Donald Trump’s statement on Texas floods
“The Trump Administration is collaborating with State and Local Officials in Texas to address the devastating flooding that occurred yesterday.
“Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly.
“Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy.
“Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
Eight-year-old twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence from Dallas were among the dead. They had just finished second grade.
Their parents said they were “devastated,” and that the girls brought endless joy to their family, Associated Press reported.
Mary Grace Baker, another young camper, was also killed.
Her school described her as a “bright light” known for her kindness and contagious giggle.
Pink ribbons were tied to trees in her honor at St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont.
What we know so far…
Joyce Badon, a 21-year-old student at Savannah College of Art and Design, died while staying at a river house with friends.
Her mom said one friend called during the flood, but the phone went dead after Joyce was heard speaking.
Married couple James and Cindy Rushing also drowned while camping near the river.
Their daughter later found their entire site wiped clean.
Pers and Ruffin Boyett, two brothers at a nearby boys’ camp, swam to safety after water rose to the top bunk in their cabin.
As of Wednesday, the death toll has climbed to 111, with 173 missing.
