Dallas sisters' last moments in floodwaters reveal unshakeable bond: 'They held tightly to each other'
Two sisters from Dallas — 13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber — were among the dozens of lives lost in the catastrophic floods that swept through Central Texas early Friday.
Blair was preparing to enter eighth grade, and Brooke was set to begin sixth grade at St. Rita Catholic School.
The tragedy has deeply shaken the school and parish community, where the Harber family has long been active. The girls' mother, Annie Harber, is a member of the school's faculty.
Sisters were not at Camp Mystic
The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic — where up to 10 campers and one counselor remain missing — but were in the area when the flooding occurred.
The girls were staying with their grandparents along the Guadalupe River, who remain unaccounted for, according to the church. Their parents were in a separate cabin and were not harmed.
The sisters' bodies were recovered the day after the flooding, found together 15 miles downriver.
"Even in their last moments, they held tightly to each other, a powerful symbol of their lasting bond and their trust in God," the church said in a .
Church leaders said the girls were "young women of deep faith" and had gone up to the loft of their cabin that night with their rosaries.
Blair, described as a standout student, was enrolled in advanced classes and involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She played volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, and cheered for the St. Rita team. She was also a Student Ambassador, helped with the yearbook, and participated in the school's speech and drama program.
"This year, she was excited to audition for the lead role in the 8th-grade play," the church said. "Blair had the kindest heart and loved to serve others."
Her younger sister, Brooke, was an accomplished soccer, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse player, "known for her spirit and determination."
"Brooke was an excellent student who brought joy and energy wherever she went," the church said. "She, too, loved speech and drama and had a particular gift for improv that brought smiles and laughter to those around her. Brooke never met a stranger and loved everyone she met."
The school is asking for continued prayers for the Harber family and all those affected by the flooding.
Flooding death toll continues to rise
At least 100 people are dead in Central Texas in what officials called a "mass casualty event" after devastating flash floods slammed Hill Country, with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River.
Camp Mystic hit hard by floodwaters
Monday, July 7, Camp Mystic confirmed that at least 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding. There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, the sheriff said earlier.
The river rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes after a stationary storm system dumped far more rain than forecast over the river's North and South Forks.
River reached near-record levels
The flooding overwhelmed the region, including the city of Kerrville, where the Guadalupe River reached its second-highest level on record.
Hundreds rescued by air and boat
Emergency responders have rescued 850 people, including 160 by air. The U.S. Coast Guard has assisted in saving more than 220 lives. Search efforts continue using helicopters, drones, and ground teams.
Federal and state response underway
Officials, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have mobilized state and federal resources. President Trump has pledged full federal support.
Communities face widespread damage
Local leaders and residents described the destruction as unprecedented. Many areas remain without power or access, and families are still searching for loved ones.
The emotional toll on survivors and first responders continues to grow as recovery efforts press on.
CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.
