Tragic Loss at Local School: Sisters Drown During Flood

The tranquil cabin environment represents the calm after a storm, contrasting the recent tragedy.

News Summary

In a heartbreaking incident near Hunt, Texas, two young sisters from St. Rita Catholic School tragically drowned after their cabin was overtaken by floodwaters during severe storms. Blair and Brooke Harber, aged 13 and 11, were staying with their grandparents when disaster struck. The family is now united in mourning as the community rallies together to support them during this difficult time. With rescue teams searching for the girls’ grandparents, the school has planned a joint funeral service to honor the sisters and their vibrant lives.

Dallas – In a tragic incident on July 4, 2023, two young sisters from St. Rita Catholic School, Blair and Brooke Harber, lost their lives after their cabin was swept away by floodwaters along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. The sisters, aged 13 and 11, were reportedly staying at a family cabin during severe storms that inundated Central Texas when the disaster struck.

The floodwaters surged early in the morning, around 3:30 a.m., just moments after both sisters sent a text to their parents saying “I love you.” The girls were with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, in the cabin that was overwhelmed by water. Their parents, Annie and RJ Harber, were in a separate cabin nearby and managed to escape without physical harm. However, as of now, the grandparents have been reported missing amid the chaotic search efforts.

Rescue teams discovered both sisters’ bodies the following day, approximately 15 miles downstream, with their hands locked together—a poignant symbol of their close bond and a reflection of their shared faith. The loss of these young lives highlights the devastating impact of flooding in the region, which has claimed over 80 fatalities across Central Texas.

Blair, who was preparing to enter eighth grade, was known for her involvement in numerous sports, cheerleading, and her role as a student ambassador. She had a reputation for being outstanding and kind. Brooke was a rising sixth grader, recognized for her energy, athleticism, and her passion for drama and improv. Both girls were said to have had deep faith, with reports indicating they retreated to the loft of the cabin with their rosaries before the rising waters invaded their space.

Family members detailed that RJ Harber witnessed the waters beginning to rise and attempted to reach his daughters but was unable to navigate the rapidly escalating danger. In the wake of their loss, the Harber family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign that has already garnered over $182,000 to support their needs during this horrific time.

The St. Rita Catholic Community expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, with Pastor Joshua J. Whitfield highlighting the outpouring of support from the community for the grieving family. The school where the sisters attended has stated that they plan to hold a joint funeral for Blair and Brooke, further uniting the community in mourning.

In response to the emotional toll this incident has taken on students and families, the church community has organized a special prayer service. Additionally, they are providing counseling to those affected, emphasizing the importance of mental health support during such overwhelming grief.

This devastating flooding incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather events. Forecasters had warned of heavy storms leading up to the July 4th holiday, which ultimately led to this calamity, radically altering the lives of many families in the area.

As the community seeks to move forward from this tragedy, the Harber family’s loss has resonated deeply, underlining the preciousness of life and the bonds of familial love. The continued efforts to locate the grandparents and support the family remain at the forefront of community initiatives, as the aftermath of the flood continues to unfold.