Julian Ryan GoFundMe raises over $87,000 as dad dies saving family from Texas flood

The family of 27-year-old father Julian Ryan of Ingram, Texas, is grieving after he swam to his death to save his family from the deadly Texas floods on July 4. A GoFundMe appeal set up in his memory has gathered more than $87,000 for his fiancée, children, and family as they grapple with the emotional and financial fallout of the tragedy.

Ryan, whose family members say had a big heart and a naturally generous spirit, was home with his fiancée, Christinia Wilson, the couple’s two small children, and his mother when the Guadalupe River began to rise in the middle of the night. The water rose a lot quicker than Wilson had expected.

With water surging into the house, according to Wilson, Ryan instinctively moved to protect his family. He smashed a window open for an escape, which severely injured his arm in the process.

"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." She told KHOU in an interview.

Though Julian Ryan was injured, he supposedly was more concerned with getting help for his fiancée and their daughters. Both Wilson and the two children,13 months and a six year old, were rescued after floating on a mattress. Ryan’s mother was also rescued.

But Ryan himself died from his injuries before police were able to locate him. He allegedly requested that he be allowed to say a few last words to his family before he passed out. His body was found hours later.

"By 6 (a.m.), he looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and said, 'I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all.'" Christinia Wilson added.

More details about the GoFundMe campaign aimed at aiding Julian Ryan's family

Julian Ryan has been lauded as a hero by his family and others in the community. “He died a hero, and that will never go unnoticed,” his sister Connie Salas said. According to People, his best friend, Kris Roberts, said that Ryan was one of the kindest people he had ever met.

The GoFundMe page set up by family friends Joseph Rounsley and Jennifer Mercer describes Ryan as a beloved son, father, fiancé, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many.

Julian Ryan broke a window to save his fiancée, their kids, and his mother-in-law from rising floodwaters along the Guadalupe River.He was critically injured and didn’t survive.His sister said, “I’m scared.”
Julian replied, “Me too.”
Those were his last words pic.twitter.com/a6p9YWDub1

— TexasTina45 (@TexasTina45) July 6, 2025

The fundraiser is to try and help ease the financial burdens that come with a sudden death, such as Julian Ryan’s funeral expenses, family living expenses, and support for his children’s future.

The Texas flooding, which has left more than 50 people dead across six counties, has been called one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent state history. In a statement, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed July 6 a “Day of Prayer” in Texas, noting the scope of the destruction and the deaths. As the Ryan family mourns, they have thanked people for their support.