On July 28, 2011, a 911 caller reported a juvenile girl in the swollen North Platte River. Despite having one minute remaining in his shift, Deputy Gross responded, furiously stripped off his boots and uniform and, without hesitation, dove into the river. Upon reaching the girl, bystanders saw Bryan "throw the girl out of the water towards the bank." 

​

Bryan was last seen floating with the girl around a bend in the river. In the ensuing confusion, Bryan was gone. The girl was rescued downstream by other emergency responders and civilians. The body of Deputy Gross was located several miles downstream after an extensive two-and-a-half day search.