In Texas Hill Country, tragedy struck as flooding claimed the lives of two vibrant young sisters, Blair and Brooke Harber, ages 13 and 11. The harrowing image of the girls found “with their hands locked together” serves as a heartbreaking testament to their bond amidst chaos.
On a family getaway in the community of Casa Bonita, the sisters tragically perished during the catastrophic deluge that ravaged the region early Friday morning. The relentless rain awakened their father, RJ Harber, around 3:30 a.m. Despite the pounding storm, he initially couldn’t hear the water invading their cabin.
In a moment of foresight, Brooke texted her father and grandparents a simple yet poignant message: “I love you.” Tragically, that would be the last communication they had. RJ and his wife, Annie, acted swiftly, shattering a window in a desperate attempt to rescue their girls, who were staying in a separate cabin.
The raging waters proved insurmountable. In a final effort to reach their daughters, the couple sought help from neighbors to borrow a kayak. However, the fury of the floodwaters thwarted their attempts, and they had to be rescued themselves alongside other survivors.
After excruciating hours of searching, the sisters were discovered approximately 12 hours later, 15 miles away. The image of them intertwined in death—a symbol of love and courage—strikes at the heart of all those who knew them.
Both girls were beloved students at St. Rita’s Catholic School in Dallas, where their mother serves as an instructional specialist. They were not just students; they were bright lights in their community, cherished for their kindness and vivacity.
The Harber family remains in our thoughts, as they continue to search for Mike and Charlene Harber, the girls’ grandparents, who are still missing. This tragedy is a reminder of the recklessness of nature, as at least 80 lives have been lost in this disaster, with many more still unaccounted for.
As rain persists and evacuation orders remain in effect, the resilience of the community shines through. In our prayers and efforts, we stand united with the Harber family and all those affected by this unfathomable disaster.
