Topics: Texas floods, US News, GoFundMe, Community
The aunt of two sisters who tragically lost their lives in the Texas flash floods has been speaking about the moment when their remains were found.
One month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours outside the Texan town of Kerrville over the July 4th weekend, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet. This lead to a state of emergency being declared in several counties.
The floods swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins, which were being used by Americans celebrating Independence Day. The death toll from the floods has since climbed to more than 100, while a unknown number of others are still missing, officials have confirmed.
Brooke and Blair Harber, 11 and 13, were staying with their grandparents along the river when the floods sent shockwaves across a local community. And now, Jennifer Harber, the girls' aunt, has revealed more heartbreaking insight about the moment the girls were found.
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"My brother and his wife Annie identified the bodies of my nieces Blair age 13 and Brooke age 11 yesterday afternoon about 12 hours after the flood that started the morning of July 4th at 3:30am," Jennifer penned on GoFundMe.
"My parents Mike and Charlene Harber have not been found as of now. Prayers are needed so we can bring them home."
Brooke and Blair were later found deceased 15 miles away, while the search for their grandparents remains ongoing.
“When they were found, their hands were locked together,” Harber explained on the GoFundMe page.
KXAS-TV and KTVT reports Brooke and Blair were students at St. Rita Catholic School in Dallas, with the school saying in a statement: "Even in their last moments, they held tightly to each other, a powerful symbol of their lasting bond and their trust in God."
The school added: "This tragedy has touched every corner of our hearts. 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."
RJ and Annie, the girls' parents, apparently went to go check on the them and their grandparents, Mike and Charlene, at around 3:30am after it became evident the floods were truly devastating.
Tragically, the water was too high to reach where the four were staying, Harber revealed.
The GoFundMe set up by Jennifer Harber is intended to 'support the Harber family after tragic loss'. You can donate to it here.
