Heroic Father Julian Ryan Dies Saving Family in Catastrophic Texas Flood—One of 70 Lives Lost in Nation’s Deadliest Flash Flood in Years

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — July 6, 2025
In the midst of one of the worst natural disasters to strike Texas in recent memory, the story of a young father’s final act of heroism has gripped the nation. Julian Ryan, 27, is being hailed as a hero after sacrificing his life to save his wife and two young daughters during a violent flash flood that tore through the Hill Country region over the Fourth of July weekend.

Ryan was one of at least 70 people confirmed dead in the catastrophic flooding, which has prompted a state of emergency across multiple counties and left dozens of families shattered. His last words, spoken in the final moments before he was swept away by the floodwaters, have become a haunting reminder of the disaster’s human cost:

“I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all.”

A Father’s Final Act of Courage

Julian and his family were staying in a rented riverside cabin near the Guadalupe River when a sudden surge of water—triggered by torrential rain—engulfed the area, turning a peaceful holiday getaway into a fight for survival.

As the floodwaters rose with terrifying speed, trapping the family inside their cabin, Julian acted quickly. With the front door jammed by water pressure and debris, he smashed a rear window with his bare hands, sustaining injuries in the process. He lifted his daughters through the opening to his wife, pushing them toward higher ground.

But in his final moments, as the current gained strength, Julian was pulled under. His body was recovered by search teams the following morning nearly a quarter mile downstream.

“He saved them. He did exactly what a father would do,” said Alyssa Ryan, his wife. “But I’ll never forget the look in his eyes or the sound of his voice. He told us he loved us right before the water took him.”

A Community Mourns a Local Hero

Julian Ryan was a lifelong resident of Austin, TX, where he worked as a mechanic and volunteered at his church’s youth ministry. Friends say he was a role model to dozens of neighborhood kids and a selfless husband and father who never sought attention but always showed up when it counted.

“He was the definition of a good man,” said Damon Ellis, a close friend and fellow church member. “He didn’t just die a hero—he lived like one every day.”

His passing has triggered an outpouring of support, both locally and nationwide. A GoFundMe campaign organized to assist the Ryan family has raised over $150,000 in less than 48 hours. Thousands of people from across the country have left messages of condolence, gratitude, and heartbreak.

Flash Flood Disaster Among the Deadliest in Decades

The flooding across Kerr, Bandera, and surrounding Hill Country counties has been described by state officials as one of the most devastating weather events in recent Texas history. At least 70 people are dead and over two dozen remain missing, while hundreds have been displaced and dozens of structures destroyed.

Texas Governor Alejandro Vasquez has declared a statewide emergency and requested federal disaster assistance.

“This was a once-in-a-century event,” said Governor Vasquez. “Our thoughts are with every family affected, and we especially honor those like Julian Ryan who gave everything to protect their loved ones.”

According to the National Weather Service, flash floods are the leading cause of storm-related deaths in the U.S., killing more than 125 people each year on average. Despite advances in forecasting, their speed and intensity often leave little time for evacuation.

Meteorologists reported that rainfall totals in the hardest-hit areas exceeded 12 inches in just six hours, overwhelming creeks, rivers, and stormwater systems.

Funeral Plans and Legacy

Julian Ryan’s funeral service will be held Friday in Austin at Living Grace Fellowship Church, where he was an active member. His wife has asked the public to honor his memory not with flowers, but with acts of service and kindness, the values he lived by.

“He loved his family. He loved this country. And he loved his neighbors,” Alyssa said. “We lost the best of us.”

The church will also host a flood safety seminar in his name next month to educate families about emergency preparedness, in partnership with the Red Cross and state disaster officials.

Julian Ryan died a hero. But more than that, he lived like one every day of his life. May his bravery inspire a nation to love as deeply and act as selflessly.