Severe floods hit Texas on July 4, prompting a state of emergency across several counties. The Guadalupe River rose dangerously to 26 feet after intense rainfall, leading to at least 50 deaths, including 15 children.
In one tragic case, 27-year-old Julian Ryan sacrificed his life to save his family in Ingram, Kerr County. As floodwaters surged into their caravan at 4 a.m., Ryan broke a window to get his fiancée, mother, and two young children to the roof. In doing so, he severed an artery. “He nearly cut his arm clean off,” said his fiancée, Christina Wilson.
By 6 a.m., Ryan had bled to death. Christina recalled his final words: “Sorry I’m not going to make it, I love ya’ll.” His mother called him “the hero of this story.”
The family urged better flood warning systems. Officials mobilized massive rescue efforts, with over 100 troopers, helicopters, and boats deployed. Governor Abbott promised full support, stating, “We will stop at nothing.”
Former President Trump called the tragedy “a terrible thing” and pledged federal assistance to Texas.