Desperate final words of brave dad who died saving kids and fiancée from floods

Brave dad Julian Ryan was praised as a ‘hero’ by his family, who said his death in the Texas floods has left ‘an unfillable void in all our lives’ – his fiancé has now shared his heartbreaking final words

In a final act of heroism, Ryan (pictured) punched through a window to help his fiancé, their children and his mother escape to the roof(Image: gofundme)

The family of dad who died while rescuing his loved ones from flooding in Texas shared his final, heartbreaking words.

Julian Ryan gave his life to save his family during flooding along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, northwest of San Antonio, on July 4. Authorities said 27 girls remain unaccounted for after flood water swept into the Mystic Christian summer camp located close to the river.

On a GoFundMe page, Julian’s family said: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the unexpected and tragic passing of our beloved Julian Ryan on July 4th, 2025.

Holding back tears, Ryan’s fiancée, Christinia Wilson, recalled her fiancé’s harrowing final moments

Flood waters left debris including vehicles and equipment scattered in Louise Hays Park (Image: Getty Images)

“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,”‘ she said, adding that Ryan’s body was recovered later that morning after the water receded, reports MailOnline.

Loved ones say Ryan’s bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. “He died a hero,” his sister, Connie Salas, said. “That will never go unnoticed.”

The heroic father’s family is now mourning the loss of a man they describe as kind, funny and fiercely devoted to those he loved. In a statement posted to the fundraiser, Ryan’s relatives said his death has left “an unfillable void.”

“Julian gave his life for his family, passing as a true hero,” the family wrote. “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 humor and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the fundraising page reads.

Members of a search and rescue team look for people near Camp Mystic(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

As of Sunday morning, the death toll is at least 51, with 27 children from a summer camp situated along the river – Camp Mystic – still missing.

Search teams have attempted rescues in what they called “a very harsh environment” and managed to save some people who climbed up trees in a bid to escape the flood waters.

But as rescue teams are searching for the missing, Texas officials are facing scrutiny over their preparations and why residents and summer camps for children that are dotted along the river were not alerted sooner or told to evacuate.

Officials said they had not expected such an intense downpour of rain, equivalent to months’ worth in a few short hours, insisting that no one saw the flood potential coming.