Sisters Who Died in Texas Floodwaters Were Found with Hands ‘Locked Together,’ Aunt Says

Two sisters who died in the Texas flood disaster were found with their hands “locked together,” according to family.

Brooke and Blair Harber, ages 11 and 13, were staying with their grandparents along the Guadalupe River when the floodwaters inundated their neighborhood in Hunt on the morning of Friday, July 4, according to NBC affiliate KXAS-TV and CBS affiliate KTVT.

In a statement shared on GoFundMe, the girls’ aunt Jennifer Harber said the girls’ parents, RJ and Annie, went to check on the girls and their grandparents, Mike and Charlene, around 3:30 a.m. local time. But the water was too high to reach where the four were staying.

Around the same time, Jennifer said Brooke texted “I love you” to her grandparents. She and Blair were later found dead 15 miles away in Kerrville.

“When they were found, their hands were locked together,” the aunt explained.

Brooke and Blair were students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, according to KXAS-TV and KTVT.

In a statement, school officials said Brooke was about to enter 6th grade and Brooke was about to enter 8th grade. They described the girls as “young women of deep faith” and “went to the loft of their cabin with their rosaries” when the flooding occurred.

“Even in their last moments, they held tightly to each other, a powerful symbol of their lasting bond and their trust in God,” school officials said.

Blair was described by school officials as “an outstanding student enrolled in advanced classes and actively involved in school activities.” They noted she “played volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, cheered for the St. Rita cheerleading team, and served as a Student Ambassador, proudly guiding prospective families through the school.” 

The 13-year-old teen “was also a member of the yearbook team and took part in the speech and drama program,” adding that “she was excited to audition for the lead role in the 8th-grade play” and “had the kindest heart and loved to serve others.”

Meanwhile, Brooke was “an excellent student who brought joy and energy wherever she went,” according to school officials. Officials described her as “an accomplished soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse player, known for her spirit and determination.” 

“She, too, loved speech and drama and had a particular gift for improv that brought smiles and laughter to those around her,” they added. “Brooke never met a stranger and loved everyone she met.”

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Annie, the girls’ mom, “is a beloved member of our faculty, and the Harber family has been a cherished part of our parish and school community for many years,” school officials said.

“This tragedy has touched every corner of our hearts,” they explained. “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, surrounding them with our prayers, compassion, and unwavering support.”

Meanwhile, the girls’ grandparents remain missing. Jennifer told KHOU, “Please help us find my parents so we can have closure and bring them home.”

More than $182,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaign started for the Harber family. A joint funeral for Blair and Brooke will be held at St. Rita.

“We are beyond devastated and so heartbroken,” said Jennifer, who organized the online fundraiser. “Prayers are much appreciated and what we needed at this time.”

More than 80 people have died due to the flash flooding inundated Central Texas, according to the Associated Press.

To learn how to help support the victims and recovery efforts from the Texas floods, click here.