Two sisters tragically lost their lives during the devastating Texas floods, discovered with their hands locked together, symbolizing their bond even in the face of disaster. The heartbreaking circumstances have left the community mourning while a search continues for their missing grandparents.
Sisters Found United Amid Catastrophe
Blair, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, were swept away by sudden floodwaters in the Texas Hill Country while staying with their grandparents in the gated community of Casa Bonita in Hunt. Despite frantic rescue attempts, their bodies were found 15 miles away in Kerrville, still clutching each other’s hands, a poignant reminder of their closeness and bravery amid the tragedy.
The family had been camping for the July 4 weekend. Their parents, RJ and Annie Herber, were only a few homes away but were unable to reach the girls due to the fast-moving water. RJ even tried to reach them by kayak with a neighbor, but the floodwaters were too fierce, forcing a retreat after rescue teams evacuated them and others from danger.
Parents’ Desperate Attempts and the Missing Grandparents
The Harber parents survived by breaking a window to escape rising waters. They were awakened by the flood around 3:30 a.m. and, amid chaos, received a final text from Brooke that simply read, "I love you." The same message was sent to their maternal grandparents, Charlene and Mike, who remain missing after the floods.
The grandparents’ fate is still unknown, leaving the family and rescuers holding onto hope while continuing the search. The heavy rains resulted in catastrophic flooding that caused 82 deaths across Central Texas, with numerous families displaced and several still unaccounted for.
Community Reflects on Loss and Legacy
Blair and Brooke were described by their school community as kind, gifted, and deeply religious children who carried rosary beads and loved their faith classes. St. Rita Catholic Community, where they were students, held a prayer service in their memory, emphasizing the profound impact their loss has on the community.
Their story highlights the immense destructive power of the floods but also the enduring human bonds that persist amid disaster. The sisters’ final moments, holding hands, have become a powerful symbol of love and solidarity in the face of overwhelming tragedy, while the search for their grandparents continues with urgency.