Christinia Wilson, Ryan's fiancee, said the water rose rapidly, reaching knee level in just 20 minutes. "The water just kept coming in, we had no choice but to get out," she said.

To save his fiancee, three children, and mother, Ryan punched through a window to get everyone onto the roof. Unfortunately, shards of glass severed an artery in his arm.

Despite his severe injury, he focused on getting his family to safety. However, rescue services couldn't reach them in time, and the father of two died from blood loss hours later.

US authorities reported that heavy rain throughout the night of 3/7 caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 9 meters, leaving families along the riverbank with little time to react.

Julian Ryan with his fiancee and three children on a trip. Photo: @JulianRyan

"Around 6 a.m. on 4/7, my fiance passed away," Wilson said. The mother of three recalled her fiance’s last words: "I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love you all."

Ryan's family called him a hero, emphasizing that his sacrifice will never be forgotten. "His death has left a void that can never be filled," relatives wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses.

Julian Ryan tragically died after getting his fiancee, mother, and children to safety following the flash flood on 4/7. Photo: @JulianRyan

The incident has also sparked calls for changes in flood prevention measures. The family believes that earlier warnings, such as sirens, could have saved lives. "If there had been sirens, we would have left," Wilson said.

The Guadalupe River flash flood has claimed at least 50 lives. Search and rescue efforts remain a top priority in central Texas.

Minh Phuong (Dailymail)