SO MORTUARY: Majella O’Donnell says: Sometimes, you have things on your lips and you get the chance to say them! But they couldn’t, what their family heard were cries for help, the words “I love you, Mom and Dad” choking in their throats. We see them, two sisters, holding hands and walking together into the arms of God.

Sisters Found Holding Hands After Dying in Texas Flood Remembered for Their Unbreakable Bond

Kerrville, TX — In a tragedy that has shaken the state and brought an outpouring of grief, two sisters who died during the July 4 Texas flood disaster were found with their hands locked tightly together — a final act of love amid unimaginable fear.

Brooke and Blair Harber, ages 11 and 13, were swept away by the fast-rising Guadalupe River while staying with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, at a family cabin in Hunt. Their bodies were found the next day, 15 miles downstream in Kerrville, according to their aunt, Jennifer Harber.“When they were found, their hands were locked together,” Jennifer shared in a statement posted on GoFundMe. “We are beyond devastated and so heartbroken.”

The girls’ grandparents remain missing as of Tuesday. The Harber family, deeply rooted in their Dallas community, has requested continued prayers as they search for closure.

In the early morning hours of Friday, July 4, their parents, Annie and RJ Harber, attempted to reach their daughters and grandparents, but floodwaters had already engulfed the area. Around the same time, Jennifer said Brooke sent a text to her grandparents: “I love you.”The sisters, both students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, were described by school officials as “young women of deep faith” who sought comfort in prayer during their final moments. Officials said they “went to the loft of their cabin with their rosaries when the flooding occurred.”

Blair, the elder of the two, was entering eighth grade. A standout student enrolled in advanced classes, she was involved in volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, cheerleading, and drama. She also served as a Student Ambassador and was excited to audition for the lead role in the upcoming school play.“Blair had the kindest heart and loved to serve others,” the school said.

Brooke, who had just completed fifth grade, was remembered for her infectious energy and generous spirit. She played multiple sports and had a particular gift for improv comedy. “Brooke never met a stranger and loved everyone she met,” the school shared.Their mother, Annie, is a beloved teacher at the school, making the loss deeply personal for the entire parish and academic community.

“This tragedy has touched every corner of our hearts,” school officials said in a statement. “In this time of deep sorrow, we stay grounded in our faith and united in love. We will stand with the Harber family in the days to come.”A joint funeral for Brooke and Blair will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church. More than $182,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support the family.

As the Harbers continue to wait for news of Mike and Charlene, Jennifer pleaded, “Please help us find my parents so we can have closure and bring them home.”More than 80 people have died across Central Texas following the flash floods, which devastated communities along the Guadalupe River. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing.

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