Texas Hill Country, July 6, 2025 — In a gut‑wrenching echo of devotion, two sisters from Dallas—13‑year‑old Blair Harber and 11‑year‑old Brooke Harber—were discovered after Sunday’s catastrophic flash floods, their small hands clasped together, their rosaries still in grasp, a final bond that refused to break.
The family’s final message came just before disaster struck: Brooke texted “I love you” at 3:30 a.m., a tender farewell that would become heartbreakingly their last words .
What Actually Happened?
The Harber family had taken a summer weekend cabin trip near the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. As an intense storm barreled in early Friday, the river surged—rising nearly a foot each minute—triggering the worst flash flood the region has seen .
Blair and Brooke were with their grandparents when waters rushed in. Their parents, using a borrowed kayak, tried desperately to reach them—but fierce currents made rescue impossible. The parents survived; tragically, the grandparents remain missing .
Community Mourns & Responds
- St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, where the sisters attended school, held a solemn prayer vigil Sunday afternoon, as the local school community rallied behind the grieving family .
- Over a dozen others, including campers from nearby Camp Mystic, also lost their lives as floodwaters destroyed cabins and overwhelmed rescue operations .
- As of today, more than 80 people are confirmed dead across Central Texas, including 28 children; 40+ individuals remain missing, with thousands still being rescued .
The Heartbreak Behind “Hands Locked Together”
In her grief, their aunt—a close witness to the grief-stricken scene—shared that “they clung to each other until the end,” refusing to let go, even amidst disaster . Their hands, intertwined, rosaries dangling, capture a final portrait of sisterly love in the face of calamity.
Warnings, Rescue Efforts & Political Response
- The Guadalupe River shot up an astonishing 26 ft in under an hour—second-highest level recorded—leaving scant time for warnings.
- Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster zone, mobilized hundreds of rescue teams, and described the devastation around Camp Mystic as “horrendously ravaged”.
- A federal emergency declaration from President Trump has been issued, though critics have blamed recent budget cuts to weather-warning systems and emergency readiness for inadequate advanced notice .
What Families Should Do Now
- Stay vigilant. Flash floods in Hill Country are notoriously sudden—river levels can soar meters within minutes.
- Subscribe to emergency alerts. Local warnings could save lives anytime storms loom.
- Plan escape routes. Without reliable cell signals, families should know where to go and what to take before emergencies.
- Volunteer or donate. Support local shelters and relief funds keyed to Kerr County and Camp Mystic survivors.
Remembering Blair & Brooke
- Blair Harber, 13, was set to begin eighth grade at St. Rita’s—loved for her caring nature and smile.
- Brooke Harber, 11, was to start sixth grade—gentle, loving, and devoted to faith.
Their final text—“I love you”—echoes louder than any rescue effort, a testament to undying family bonds .
Doing Justice to Their Story
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