A devastating tragedy has struck a North Texas family, capturing the hearts of people across the country. Sisters Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, lost their lives in the catastrophic floods that overwhelmed parts of Central Texas over the July 4th weekend. Their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, remain missing as rescue efforts continue in the flood-ravaged community of Kerrville.
The sisters were swept away by the violent floodwaters in the early hours of July 5. Their bodies were discovered 15 miles downstream, still holding hands, a haunting and heartbreaking image of their unbreakable bond in life and death.
Their aunt, Jennifer Harber, described that tragic detail through tears. “They were always close,” she said. “They loved each other so much. Even at the very end, they stayed together.”
A Storm That Changed Everything
The tragedy began just after 3:30 a.m. when a sudden storm hit the region. Blair and Brooke had been spending the night with their grandparents in a neighbor’s riverfront house. The neighbor had offered them the space, as Mike and Charlene’s own home was too small to accommodate everyone during the family’s holiday visit.
Meanwhile, their parents — R.J. and Annie Harber — were staying nearby when the storm woke them. Realizing that their house was already filling with water, they immediately tried to reach the house where their daughters and R.J.’s parents were staying — but the floodwaters were already too deep, fast, and dangerous.
R.J. broke a window to escape their flooding home. He and Annie then attempted to reach their loved ones, but the powerful current kept them back. They even woke up neighbors and borrowed a kayak in desperation — risking their lives — but had to be rescued themselves when conditions became too hazardous.
“We were helpless,” said Jennifer. “They tried everything. And now they’re left mourning their daughters while still searching for their parents.”
A Community in Mourning
The community surrounding the Harber family has rallied together in remarkable ways. A GoFundMe campaign launched by six close friends has already raised over $169,000 of its $200,000 goal. The fundraiser aims to help with funeral expenses, search efforts for Mike and Charlene, and the overwhelming burden now facing the family.
The campaign features photos of the Harbers — three generations laughing together in matching pajamas, the girls beaming in sundresses beside their grandparents. Each image speaks of love, family, and joy — now shadowed by unimaginable loss.
Jennifer also revealed touching details about the girls: deeply spiritual, both Blair and Brooke always carried rosaries. “Just two weeks ago, Blair was asking me about heaven,” she shared. “They were beautiful souls, full of love.”
On the night of the flood, Brooke sent a final text at 3:30 a.m. to her dad and grandparents: “I love you.”
“We Need Closure”
As the family prepares for a joint funeral service at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, they are still praying to bring Mike and Charlene home. Jennifer, a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, shared that the airline is helping fly the girls home from San Antonio for the service.
“My brother and his wife survived a nightmare,” Jennifer said. “But they lost their babies. And now we’re still hoping, still searching. Please help us find my parents so we can have closure.”
Widespread Destruction
The Hill Country flooding has left a path of destruction across Kerr County and beyond. As of the latest reports, 81 people have died, with 41 still missing. In Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian summer camp for girls, rising water took the lives of campers and long-time camp director Richard “Dick” Eastland.
In just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose an astonishing 26 feet, swallowing homes, buildings, and roads. Former Navy SEAL Greg Froelick, now volunteering in the search, reported finding clothing and furniture up to eight miles downriver.
The flood took nearly everything from the gated community of Casa Bonita, where only 4 to 6 homes remain standing out of 20. The Harbers’ Labrador dog miraculously survived, crossing a flooded highway to safety. Sadly, their second dog did not.
Help from Strangers
Despite the heartbreak, stories of resilience and compassion are emerging. In San Antonio, Alma Garcia brought home-cooked meals to shelters. Another woman, Perla, spent her off-hours collecting clothes and delivering supplies to displaced families.
Texans from all walks of life — along with officials — have united in grief and support. President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, and Governor Greg Abbott promised, “We will stop at nothing to find the missing.”
In Rome, even Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and their grieving families.
A Legacy of Love
Through tears and prayers, the Harber family’s love story continues — even through loss. The image of Blair and Brooke holding hands will remain etched in the hearts of all who hear their story.
“They were pure,” Jennifer said. “We are beyond devastated. But we feel every prayer, every act of kindness. Thank you for helping us hold on to hope.”