Flash floods devastated parts of Texas on July 4 after a month’s worth of rain fell within hours, causing the Guadalupe River to surge to 26 feet. At least 50 people have died, including 15 children.
One of the most heartbreaking stories comes from Kerr County, where 27-year-old Julian Ryan lost his life saving his family. As their trailer home filled with water around 4 a.m., Ryan punched through a window to help his fiancée, two children, and mother escape to the roof. He severed an artery, and despite his efforts, bled to death by 6 a.m. “He looked at me and said, ‘Sorry I’m not going to make it, I love y’all,’” said fiancée Christina Wilson.
Ryan’s family called him “the hero of this story” and urged for better flood warning systems. His body wasn’t recovered until hours later.
Emergency crews were deployed statewide. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promised: “We will stop at nothing… to ensure everybody involved is fully accounted for.” President Trump called the floods “a terrible thing” and vowed to support Texas during recovery.
