In a heartbreaking turn of events that has shaken the entire state of Texas and touched hearts across the nation, two young Harber Sisters—Brooke and Blair—were tragically found dead after devastating flash floods swept through their grandparents’ neighborhood in Hunt, Texas. The two girls, aged 11 and 13, were staying at their grandparents’ riverfront cabin along the Guadalupe River during the July 4th holiday when the disaster struck.
When their bodies were found 15 miles away in Kerrville, searchers made a devastating discovery—the girls’ hands were locked together, a final, poignant testament to the unbreakable bond between the siblings.
The loss of Brooke and Blair has sent waves of grief through their family, school, and community, sparking an outpouring of prayers, donations, and support. Their story serves as a deeply moving reminder of the fragility of life, the enduring strength of familial love, and the profound innocence that exists even in the most tragic circumstances.
A Holiday Visit Turns into Tragedy
The Harber sisters were spending the Independence Day weekend with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene, in the quiet riverside community of Hunt, Texas. Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, the Guadalupe River is often a place of relaxation and family getaways. However, on the night of July 4, torrential rains caused flash flooding that overwhelmed the area with a speed and force that left residents with little time to react.
According to family accounts, RJ and Annie Harber—the girls’ parents—drove out in the early hours of the morning, around 3:30 a.m., to check on their daughters and the grandparents. But by the time they arrived, the water had risen too high to safely reach the cabin. In what would be her last known message, 13-year-old Brooke texted “I love you” to her grandparents, unaware that the storm would soon claim all four of them.
As floodwaters engulfed the property, the Harber Sisters reportedly retreated to the loft of their cabin and held onto their rosaries, turning to their faith for comfort. They would later be discovered 15 miles away from where they were last seen, their hands still clasped together. Their grandparents remain missing as of the latest reports, and the search continues with urgency and hope.
Cherished Lives and Lasting Memories
Brooke and Blair were students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, where they were known not just for their academic excellence but for their warmth, kindness, and active participation in school life. Blair, the older of the two, was about to begin 8th grade.
She was an exemplary student involved in advanced academic programs and was highly active in extracurriculars. She played on several sports teams—including volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse—and was also a cheerleader for the school. Blair served as a Student Ambassador and was part of the yearbook and drama programs. She was eagerly anticipating an audition for the lead role in the upcoming school play.
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The school described her as a young woman with “the kindest heart” and a strong inclination to help and serve others. Blair’s deep faith, enthusiasm for learning, and spirited participation made her a beloved presence at St. Rita. Her teachers and classmates remember her as someone who lit up every room she entered.
Brooke, preparing to enter the 6th grade, shared many of the same qualities. Her teachers describe her as an energetic and joyful student with a love for sports, drama, and connecting with others. She excelled in soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and basketball, and she had a talent for improv that brought laughter and happiness to those around her. Known for her open heart and friendly nature, Brooke had a way of making friends wherever she went. Her teachers said, “Brooke never met a stranger and loved everyone she met.”
The girls’ shared love for speech, drama, and sports reflected their vibrant spirits and the strong sisterly bond that kept them close in life—and ultimately, in death. Even in their final moments, as the waters rose and darkness fell, they clung to each other and to their faith, their rosaries in hand, symbolizing a powerful unity that even death could not break.
A Community United in Grief and Support
The deaths of Brooke and Blair have reverberated far beyond the boundaries of their immediate family. St. Rita Catholic School and the wider Dallas community have come together in an extraordinary show of love and support for the Harber family. The girls’ mother, Annie Harber, is a faculty member at the school, which has described the family as a deeply cherished part of their community for many years.
In a public statement, school officials expressed their sorrow and solidarity, noting that “this tragedy has touched every corner of our hearts.” The school has offered prayers, emotional support, and plans to stand with the Harbers as they navigate the difficult days ahead. The school also emphasized the strength of the family’s Catholic faith, which has served as a source of comfort and resilience through the tragedy.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by the girls’ aunt, Jennifer Harber, has raised over $182,000 from more than a thousand donors. The funds will help cover funeral expenses and support the family as they deal with the loss and the ongoing search for Mike and Charlene. Jennifer’s heartfelt plea—“We are beyond devastated and so heartbroken. Prayers are much appreciated and what we need at this time”—reflects the raw pain that words can hardly capture.
A joint funeral for Brooke and Blair will be held at St. Rita, a space filled with memories of their school days, friendships, and shared faith. As mourners gather to say goodbye, they will be honoring not just the tragic loss of two young lives, but also the strength, kindness, and joy that Brooke and Blair brought to the world during their short time here.
Meanwhile, the search for the girls’ grandparents continues. As of now, they are among the many still missing due to the sudden and destructive flash floods that have claimed more than 80 lives across Central Texas. The Harber family, supported by volunteers and first responders, is clinging to hope and faith that closure will come.
This disaster has also brought to light the extraordinary bravery and humanity that have emerged amid the chaos. Coast Guard rescue swimmers, local fire departments, and community volunteers have risked their lives to save others. Counselors at nearby Camp Mystic—where hundreds of children were present—wrote the names of the girls in their care on their bodies in case they were separated. These small but courageous acts have come to define the human response to the overwhelming power of nature.
The loss of Brooke and Blair Harber is a wound that will not easily heal for their family, school, or community. Their story is one of unimaginable tragedy, yet also one of love, unity, and enduring faith. Holding hands in their final moments, the Harber Sisters left behind a legacy that reminds us of the deep and abiding bonds of family and the strength found in even the youngest hearts.
As Texas recovers from this flood disaster and families begin to rebuild, the story of Brooke and Blair will remain a symbol of the love that endures through all things—even death. Their lives, though brief, were filled with purpose, joy, and connection. And in the way they left this world—together, hand in hand—they left behind a message of unbreakable sisterhood and a reminder of the preciousness of life.
The community, united in mourning, will continue to support the Harber family through prayer, compassion, and presence. As the search continues for Mike and Charlene, and as the town of Hunt slowly heals, Brooke and Blair will not be forgotten. Their names, etched in the hearts of many, will live on as a testament to the power of love and the faith that holds us together when everything else is swept away.