During the Fourth of July weekend, the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas, rose 26 feet in a matter of hours due to heavy rainfall. More than 100 people were killed by the ensuing flash floods, and many more are still unaccounted for. Brooke Harber and Blair Harber, sisters ages 11 and 13, were among the victims.

Around 3:30 a.m., the flood struck while the girls were staying with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, along the river. Jennifer Harber, their aunt, posted tragic information on GoFundMe, stating that Brooke and Blair were located approximately 12 hours later, with their bodies found 15 miles from their last known location.

Jennifer wrote, “Their hands were locked together when they were found.” Their grandparents are still unaccounted for.

The Dallas-based St. Rita Catholic School, where Brooke and Blair were students, released a statement lamenting their passing. “They clung to one another even in their final moments, a potent symbol of their enduring bond and faith in God,” the school wrote. “Every part of our hearts has been touched by this tragedy.

RJ and Annie Harber, the girls’ parents, had hurried out early to see how the girls were doing, but the rising floodwaters prevented them from getting to the cabin. Jennifer Harber has started a GoFundMe page called “Support the Harber family following devastating loss” in order to assist the bereaved family.

In the midst of unspeakable grief, communities throughout Texas are coming together in the wake of this tragedy to offer prayers, support, and hope. Even in death, Brooke and Blair’s relationship serves as a potent reminder of faith and love.