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Who were Harber sisters? Teenagers killed in Texas floods found with their ‘hands locked together'

Two sisters, Blair and Brooke Harber, were tragically found dead after Texas floods, reportedly with their hands locked together.

Updated on: Jul 7, 2025, 22:49:33 IST
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Two sisters, Blair, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, were found dead with rosaries and their “hands locked together” in tragic discovery after Texas Hill Country floods, reported Newsweek, citing their families.

Harber family's GoFundMe shows Blair, 13, and Brooke, 11, in the center. (GoFundMe)
Harber family's GoFundMe shows Blair, 13, and Brooke, 11, in the center. (GoFundMe)

As flash floods ravaged central Texas on Friday, The Associated Press reported that around 80 people were killed while several remain missing.

Flooding occurred after the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 to 26 feet in 90 minutes, resulting in extensive destruction and mass evacuations.

What we know about Harber sisters

In a statement posted on a GoFundMe page, their aunt Jennifer said that the Harber sisters died during a family vacation at Casa Bonita, a gated enclave in Hunt, Texas.

“RJ and Annie's daughters, Brooke (11) and Blair (13), were with their beloved grandparents, Charlene and Mike Harber, when they tragically lost their lives in the devastating floodwaters in Hunt, Texas. The family is now facing an unimaginable loss and a very long road ahead,” the page says.

Both the girls had been residing with their grandparents, Charlene and Mike Harber, who remain unaccounted for.

Their parents RJ and Annie were lodging in a different cabin close by. Around 3:30 in the morning, they got up to the sound of rushing water and attempted to break a window to get to their daughters, but the water current did not let them reach them.

Brooke Harber texted dad, maternal grandparents before Texas tragedy

In the GoFundMe, Jennifer stated that Brooke Harber sent messages to her father and her maternal grandparents around three in the morning, stating, “I love you.”

The sisters were discovered 15 miles away in Kerrville.

“Their hands were locked together when they were found,” the GoFundMe states, describing the tragedy as a “nightmare.”

Also Read: Melania Trump's Texas floods post sparks outrage as she offers just two things to victims; ‘You and your husband…’

Trump approves ‘Major Disaster Declaration’ for Kerr County

Taking to X on Saturday, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz stated: “Heidi and I continue to lift up in prayer the families of the victims. It is imperative that all Texans heed the warnings and guidance of law enforcement. Please stay safe.”

President Donald Trump authorized Kerr County a “Major Disaster Declaration” on Sunday, opening the door for federal funding for rescue and recovery efforts.

In the middle of the flood debris, multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to conduct search and rescue operations.

Texas flash floods have killed at least 82 people and left others, including girls at a summer camp, missing. As officials face questions about their readiness and the haste of their early response, the destruction along the Guadalupe River, west of San Antonio, has prompted a large search operation.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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