A family has shared what their young dad’s heartbreaking final words were before he was killed in the Texas flooding tragedy that took place last week on Friday, July 4.
They were at their home in Ingram
Julian Ryan was at his home in Ingram with his wife, Christina Wilson, and their children and his mother when the nearby Guadalupe River started flooding on Friday, CBS affiliate KHOU reports.
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Within less than half an hour, the water was inside their house, Wilson told the outlet.
They tried to call 911 but couldn’t receive help
Wilson said, “It just started pouring in, and we had to fight the door to get it closed to make sure not too much got in. We went back to the room and started calling 911.”
But despite the multiple calls to 911, Wilson said police told the family they were unable to assist.
Ryan punched a window for them to get out
Wilson told the outlet that Ryan, 27, punched a window with his bare fist to create a safe exit for his family members from the home, but he injured himself in the process.
“It severed his artery in his arm and almost cut it clean off,” Wilson said.
He spoke a few heartbreaking last words
Wilson shared that Ryan gave an emotional goodbye to his loved ones before he died, telling them, “I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all.”
The wife added that Ryan’s body wasn’t recovered until hours later when responders could reach the area.
Wilson spoke kindly of her husband
“He was a good man,” Wilson praised Ryan in a statement to People.
“He was strong and loving and always happy. He tried to save us, and we will forever be grateful and miss him. He’s still with us, and I see him every day in our son.”
His loved ones called him a hero
Ryan’s sister, Connie Salas, who also spoke with KHOU said, “He is the hero of this story.”
His best friend, Kris Roberts, also praised him, saying, “He’s the kindest person I’ve ever met in my life, and I’ll forever love him no matter what.”
The family set up a GoFundMe
A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for the family to “help alleviate the unforeseen financial burdens.” On the page, Ryan is described as “a cherished son and devoted parent and [husband] who was dedicated to his family.”
“He was known to have an infectious laugh and unwavering kindness,” the fundraiser states. “He touched countless lives with his humor and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”