27-year-old Julian Ryan gave his life a hero. The former Ingram Moore football star broke a window to save his fiancée, their children, and his mother from rising floodwaters along the Guadalupe River

Kerr County, TX — In the face of devastating flash floods that ravaged the Texas Hill Country over the weekend, Julian Ryan, a 27-year-old father and former football standout at Ingram Tom Moore High School, made the ultimate sacrifice. Ryan died saving his fiancée, their children, and his mother from rising waters along the Guadalupe River — a heroic act that has touched hearts across the state and beyond.

The tragedy unfolded late Saturday night, as unexpected floodwaters surged through neighborhoods along the riverbank near Ingram, a small community nestled between Kerrville and Hunt. Officials say the Ryan family was trapped in their home when water levels rapidly rose due to the torrential rainfall that hit the region with little warning.

According to emergency responders and family accounts, the situation escalated in seconds. When Julian realized the floodwaters were approaching window-level, he took immediate action. With no time to wait for help and no clear path through the front door, Julian shattered a window and began helping his loved ones climb to safety.

“He broke the glass with his bare hands,” said a close family friend. “He lifted his kids out. He lifted his mother out. He pushed his fiancée through. He did it all — and then the water took him.”

Authorities believe that as Julian attempted to exit the home after getting the others to safety, a surge of floodwater pulled him under. His body was recovered several hours later, downstream from the property.

Julian Ryan was described by friends and relatives as selfless, strong, and deeply devoted to his family. A former team captain for the Ingram Tom Moore High Warriors, he was known for his leadership both on and off the field. His former coach, Mark Reaves, remembers him as “the kind of player who would carry the whole team if he had to — and he did it with heart, not ego.”

“He was just a rock,” Reaves said. “A rock for that team, and a rock for his family. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he gave everything to protect them. That was Julian.”

He worked as a welder and mechanic in Kerrville and spent most weekends coaching youth football or taking his kids fishing along the very river that would one day take him.

“Julian was a protector,” said his fiancée, Natalie Torres, through tears. “Even in his last moment, he was protecting us. He saved our lives.”

In the days since the tragedy, Julian’s story has spread across Texas and beyond — a symbol of courage in a time of crisis. Vigils have been held at Ingram Tom Moore High School and local churches, with community members placing candles, flowers, and football jerseys near the flood site.

“He was a warrior — in name and in spirit,” said longtime friend Austin Cantu. “He died making sure his family would live. There’s no greater legacy than that.”

The family has launched a memorial fund to help support Natalie, their two young children, and Julian’s mother, who all escaped the flood but lost their home and belongings. The Julian Ryan Family Fund has already raised thousands in its first 24 hours, with donations pouring in from across the state.

Julian’s death is one of several confirmed fatalities from the catastrophic Hill Country flooding, which struck multiple towns along the Blanco, Guadalupe, and Llano Rivers. Meteorologists reported that up to 13 inches of rain fell in parts of Kerr and Kendall Counties, causing flash floods that overwhelmed creeks, roads, and residential areas.

Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management has launched recovery efforts. First responders, volunteers, and members of the National Guard continue to search for missing individuals and help residents displaced by the destruction.

Ingram ISD announced that it will host a public celebration of life at the high school stadium, where Julian made so many Friday night memories. The school plans to retire his jersey and install a permanent memorial near the scoreboard.

“He’s part of our story forever,” said Principal Laura Henson. “Every kid who comes through this school is going to know who Julian Ryan was and what he stood for.”

Local businesses are also stepping up — with shops donating supplies, barbers offering free services for the family, and a local barbecue joint organizing a benefit dinner, with all proceeds going to Julian’s children.

As the Hill Country begins the long, painful process of recovery, Julian Ryan’s name now stands among those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. In a time of fear and destruction, he stood up. He acted. He protected.

“He didn’t hesitate,” said Natalie. “He didn’t think about himself. He thought about us. He gave us everything.”

And now, his legacy — that of a father, a teammate, a protector, and a hero — lives on in the lives he saved.

Funeral arrangements for Julian Ryan will be announced by the family later this week. The community is encouraged to support through the Julian Ryan Family Fund and by keeping the family in prayer during this unimaginable time.