Julian Ryan, 27, lost his life while saving his fiancée, children, and mother during deadly flash floods in Ingram, Texas. As water rushed into their trailer at 4 a.m. on July 4, he smashed a window to help his family escape to the roof.

In the process, Julian severed an artery in his arm. “He looked at me and the kids… and said, ‘Sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,’” recalled his fiancée, Christina Wilson. He died by 6 a.m. from blood loss.

Thanks to Julian’s quick action, his fiancée, two children (ages six and 13 months), and his mother all survived. His body was found hours later when the floodwaters receded. “He’s the hero of this story,” said his grieving mother.

The floods killed at least 50 people across Texas, including 15 children. Julian’s family is urging officials to install flood sirens to prevent future tragedies. “Lives could’ve been saved,” they insist, as the state continues its massive rescue efforts.