The devastation in Ingram following the unpredicted severe flooding has claimed multiple lives, including that of Julian Ryan, a 27-year-old man who died while attempting to save his family from the deluge. Governor Abbott described the flooding event along the Guadalupe River as "totally unpredictable," with rescues surpassing 237 individuals, more than 160 of them by helicopter, and 24 confirmed fatalities, according to a report by CBS Austin.
Julian Ryan's story has been highlighted as one of tragedy and heroism. His finance, Tina Wilson, related to CBS Austin how their family, trapped in a mobile home, witnessed Ryan sustain a fatal injury while trying to aid their escape. Wilson recalls how quickly the water rose, reaching knee height within 20 minutes and forcing Ryan to break a window to make an escape route, unfortunately severing an artery in his arm. Despite their repeated calls for help, the response was not quick enough to save Julian. He succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a sentiment of regret and love, saying at one point, "I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all," according to an interview shared by KAGS TV.
Connie Salas and Tina Wilson are now seeking answers to why no evacuation notices were circulated and why it took hours for help to arrive. The Kerrville city manager has responded by noting the difficulty of managing evacuations in the Hill Country, suggesting a preference for relocating people to higher elevations where they can be safely rescued.
Family and friends, in grief, remember Ryan as a selfless individual who paid the ultimate price for his bravery. "He died a hero, and that will never go unnoticed," Connie Salas told KAGS TV. His friend, Kris Roberts, recalled Ryan's kindness and gentleness in a touching tribute. The family believes that flood sirens and better preparedness could have potentially saved lives, an issue they strongly advocate for to prevent future tragedies such as this. Their call to action has been captured by the media, with KAGS TV covering their statement, "Everybody would've been worried -- what's that noise?" Wilson said. "We would have left. We would have gone anywhere else. We had so many places that were safe."
To support the family through their ordeal, a GoFundMe account has been established. Those wishing to contribute can find more details on the fundraiser in the KAGS TV report, with the family expressing immense gratitude for any assistance provided during this challenging time.
