The heartbreaking story of Brooke and Blair Harber, two young sisters tragically lost in the recent Texas flash floods, has touched the hearts of a nation.
Over the July 4th weekend, near the town of Kerrville, Texas, relentless rainfall — a month’s worth poured into just a few hours — caused the Guadalupe River to surge to a dangerous 26 feet. This sudden and fierce rise led to catastrophic flooding, forcing multiple counties to declare states of emergency.
As families celebrated Independence Day in vacation cabins, cars, and mobile homes near the river, the devastating floods swept through with unforgiving force. In the aftermath, officials have confirmed over 100 lives lost, with many more still missing.
Among those caught in the floodwaters were 11-year-old Brooke and 13-year-old Blair Harber, who were staying with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, along the river. Their aunt, Jennifer Harber, has shared the painful news of the girls’ discovery.
“My brother and his wife Annie identified the bodies of my nieces, Blair, 13, and Brooke, 11, yesterday afternoon—just 12 hours after the flood began early on July 4th at 3:30 a.m.,” Jennifer wrote on a GoFundMe page created to support the family.
Tragically, their grandparents, Mike and Charlene, remain missing.
The girls’ bodies were found about 15 miles from where they had been staying. What touched the community most was the way they were discovered — their hands locked tightly together.
“When they were found, their hands were locked together,” Jennifer shared, a poignant symbol of their unbreakable bond even in their final moments.
KTVT and KXAS-TV reported that St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, where Brooke and Blair were students, released a statement:
“Even in their last moments, they held tightly to each other, a powerful testament to their love and trust in God. This tragedy has deeply affected us all. In this time of sorrow, we remain united in faith and love.”
The school added, “We stand with the Harber family, surrounding them with prayers, compassion, and unwavering support in the days ahead.”
As floodwaters rose dangerously, the girls’ parents, RJ and Annie, left their home around 3:30 a.m. to check on their daughters and grandparents. Sadly, the rising waters made reaching their lodging impossible.
Jennifer’s GoFundMe campaign aims to support the Harber family during this unimaginable loss. Those wishing to offer assistance can donate [here].