The flood tragedy in Texas claimed the lives of sisters Blair and Brooke Harber, whose bodies were found entwined. This moving scene has touched the hearts of thousands, as mourning grows for a catastrophe that left more than 100 dead across the state.

The girls’ bodies were found by rescuers in Kerrville, more than 15 miles from where they were found, with their hands clasped together, according to their aunt, Jennifer Harber.

One last message and a failed rescue attempt

Blair and Brooke were staying with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, at a neighbor’s house in Hunt. It was there that the flooding struck the family. The girls’ aunt said that at 3:30 a.m., Brooke managed to send a text message to her father, simply saying she loved him.

Meanwhile, the girls’ parents, awakened by the storm, managed to escape their own home after breaking a window. According to Jennifer’s brother, the girls’ aunt, the water was rising about 30 centimeters per minute at the time.

The father tried to kayak to his daughters’ house—just five houses away—but the strong current prevented him from doing so. The couple ended up taking refuge with other neighbors who had also managed to escape.

A heartbreaking scene and the disappearance of the grandparents

So far, the bodies of Mike and Charlene Harber, the girls’ grandparents, have not been found. “We need prayers so we can bring them home,” Jennifer Harber said.

Among the few miracles witnessed, one of the family dogs inexplicably managed to survive. Jennifer recounted, “Somehow, their Labrador managed to get out the window and, somehow, found them on the other side of the flooded road.” The other dog did not survive.

Bright and well-loved students in their school community

The Harber sisters were students at St. Rita Catholic School. Blair, 13, took honors classes and was active in extracurricular activities such as volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, speech, theater, and the school yearbook. “She had a kind heart and loved serving others,” the school said in a statement.

Shock on social media over Blair and Brooke’s story

The image of sisters Blair and Brooke found holding hands has sparked a wave of shock on social media. In a Facebook post sharing details of the discovery, users expressed their grief:

“They didn’t separate; what a beautiful gesture from sisters,” said one internet user upon hearing the news. Another commented, “My goodness! What a tragedy, for God’s sake! Rest in peace, these little sisters and all those who have lost their lives in this natural disaster. Much light to them and much strength to their loved ones.”

These reactions reflect the emotional impact the tragedy has had beyond Texas, prompting prayers, condolences, and a collective reflection on the fragility of life in the face of the ravages of nature.

The context of a historic catastrophe

The deaths of Blair and Brooke occurred during one of the worst floods on record in the Hill Country region outside San Antonio. The intense rains, which dumped more than 12 inches of water in just 12 hours, caused the Guadalupe River to flash flood, reaching 32 feet, its second-highest level on record.

According to official data cited, at least 104 people died in the flooding, 84 of whom were found in Kerr County, including 28 children. Some people are still missing, including several girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp located in the area.