The final words of the brave fiancé and father of two children who lost his life in the Texas floods have been revealed.
A state of emergency was declared for multiple Texan counties on Friday, July 4 after one month's worth of rain poured down on the US state in a matter of hours. The Guadalupe River rose to 26 feet and at least 50 people died.
In Kerr Country, Julian Ryan passed away, having saved his family by punching through a window as their Ingram trailer home filled up with water.
His mother, fiancée Christinia Wilson, and the couple's six-year-old and one-year-old children huddled in the bedroom as the surging deluge awoke them before dawn.
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Interviewed by local news station KHOU 11, Christinia recounted her other half's heroics and parting words as he succumbed to his injuries.
"[Water] just started pouring in, we had to fight the door to get it closed tried to hold the door closed, just so that too much didn't come in," she said.
"We ran back into the room and we started calling 911 but it just kept coming. We had no choice but to get out."
Julian proceeded to smash a window so they could climb up to the trailer's roof, but he severed an artery in doing so - nearly slicing the whole limb off.
"It almost cut it clean off," noted Christinia.
Despite his life-threatening injury, and emergency responders unable to get there, Julian continued to focus on making sure everyone else was safe.
His fiancée added: "About six o'clock my husband was dead. He had lost all of it... all of his blood.
"He looked at me, the kids, and his mother and said, 'I'm sorry, I'm not going to make it. I love y'all.'"
Following Julian's incredible act of selflessness, his sister Connie Salas told KHOU 11 he 'died a hero' and 'that will never go unnoticed'.
Close friend Kris Roberts also went on to share: "He's the kindest person I've ever met in my life. I'll forever love him no matter what."
Anyone looking to support the family in their funeral plans for Ryan can now donate via a GoFundMe page.
"Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero," a family statement reads.
"While we are eternally grateful for his sacrifice, we are shattered by our loss. His sudden departure has left an unfillable void in all our lives.
"He was known to have an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness. He touched countless lives with his humour and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
"This unimaginable tragic loss has left his mother, fiancé, brothers, and sister facing not only immense emotional pain but also significant unforeseen financial burden. We are hoping to help alleviate the unforeseen financial burdens that come with such a sudden tragedy.
"No one is ever prepared for such a loss, especially one that comes so suddenly. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference and will be profoundly appreciated as the family navigates this heartbreaking time."
Topics: US News
Dan Seddon