Father loses both daughters, parents in Texas Hill Country floods
From left, Mike and Charlene Harber, and sisters Blair and Brooke, died in the Fourth of July floods that devastated parts of Central Texas and claimed the lives of at least 100 people.
Courtesy Photo
Just days after learning his daughters didn’t survive the Texas Hill Country floods, R.J. Harber was dealt another blow, finding out his parents didn’t pull through either.
Blair, Brooke, Charlene and Mike Harber are among the more than 100 people who lost their lives in Kerr County after heavy storms dropped as much as 15 inches of rain in the Central Texas region last week.
“Mike was found and (identified) by DNA confirmation and is being sent home to Dallas, as the girls were,” Jenn DeWalt, a relative, shared on Facebook. “We are asking for continued prayers as RJ, Annie and Jennifer continue to navigate this horrific nightmare, as well as Lisa and Jimmy, Charlene’s siblings. Life slowly continues, but theirs are forever shattered. Only God can provide peace where none exists.”
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TIGHT BOND: Sisters Blair, Brooke Harber found dead with their “hands locked together” after Kerr County flooding
The inundated waterways swept homes off their foundations, leaving residents to find their property miles away. With the death toll at 103 and continuing to rise, the Hill Country floods have been declared one of the worst floods in Texas.
“When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe … there’s a north and a south fork,” said Dalton Rice, Kerrville city manager. “Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville.”
The National Weather Service initially predicted rainfall ranging from 5 to 7 inches. However, the deadly weather event dropped more than a trillion gallons of water across the area on the Fourth of July, causing the Guadalupe River to swell, marking its second-highest recorded crest in history.
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS: These people are still missing or confirmed dead in Texas Hill Country floods
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“This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks,” Rice continued. “When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork and within a matter of minutes, it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at the Guadalupe.”
R.J. and his family had taken a trip from Dallas to visit his parents when the tragedy struck. Mike and Charlene Harber lived in the unincorporated community of Hunt in Kerr County.
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle
“My cousin Charlene has been found,” said DeWalt, in a separate Facebook post Friday night. “She is going home to Dallas and arrangements are being made for a funeral with her husband, Mike. Please continue to pray for all who have yet to be found and continued prayers for the family.”
The family told the Chronicle that the storm woke them up at 3:30 a.m. — a couple of hours after the NWS issued its first warning for a “life-threatening flash flood” for parts of Kerr County that included points west of Kerrville along the Guadalupe River and Camp Mystic at 1:14 a.m.
STILL MISSING: Husband recalls flood waters sweeping cabin into the Guadalupe River, harrowing escape
While R.J. and his wife stayed at his parents’ home, Blair, Blake, Charlene and Mike stayed the night at their neighbor’s house — just five houses down toward the river.
“If they had not woken up to check on the girls, they would have drowned, too,” said Jennifer Harber, R.J.’s sister. “It’s a miracle they got out. They had to break a window and get out immediately. At that point, the water was rising one foot per minute.”
After escaping, R.J. and Annie went next door, hoping to borrow a kayak to save the rest of their family. They woke up five people at two nearby homes and secured the watercraft in the process. Once he jumped in the kayak, R.J. saw whitecaps and realized he was no match for the rapid currents in the Guadalupe River. So he retreated to safety and rejoined the others he helped save.
SURVIVING THE FLOODS: Survivors of Texas floods witnessed homes being swept away, people trapped in cars screaming for help
Support poured in when it was learned that R.J. lost his 11-year-old and 13-year-old daughters, both students at St. Rita Catholic School, after feverishly trying to save them. And that support only grew when word spread about the search and rescue of his parents.
“In this time of deep sorrow, we stay grounded in our faith and united in love,” St. Rita Catholic School officials said in a statement. “We will stand with the Harber family in the days to come, surrounding them with our prayers, compassion and unwavering support. As a community of faith, we hold onto the hope and promise that Christ has defeated death, and that eternal life is waiting for those who love Him.”
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
Loved ones launched a GoFundMe to help with the costs associated with the funerals of Blair, Brooke, Charlene and Mike. As of Friday, it had raised more than $350,000, surpassing its goal of $275,000.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions and the compassion they embody,” said Vannessa Bovis, co-organizer of the fundraiser. “Your support will help cover the funeral expenses for the four beloved members of the Harber family. Any remaining funds will be directed toward charities designated by the family in honor of Blair, Brooke, Charlene, and Mike, or allocated to the establishment of a foundation or scholarships in their memory, ensuring that their legacy endures through efforts to assist others affected by these tragic floods.”
Quality of Life Reporter
Shakari Briggs is a Quality of Life reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She focuses on issues in the rapidly growing suburbs and surrounding counties.
Before joining the Chronicle in November 2023, Shakari worked for Spectrum News as a digital journalist based in her hometown. She has experience in broadcast reporting and producing as a former multimedia journalist and associate producer. The Dallas native has also worked at small to medium-sized newspapers throughout her career.
Her reporting on the rise and fall of a shopping mall won an Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors Contest award. She also earned an Arkansas Press Association award for freelance reporting.
Young attendees and staff at summer camps are among the victims of flash floods in Texas – along with teachers, a football coach, and a “hero” father who smashed open a window to free his family amid rising water.
At least 121 people have died in the disaster, according to the latest county-by-county tolls published by US media. More than 90 were in the Kerrville area.
At least 27 girls and staff died at one location, Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls.
Many of the victims have been identified in the US media by their relatives. Here is what we know so far about those who have been named – many of whom were children.
Table of Contents
Renee SmajstrlaHanna and Rebecca LawrenceChloe ChildressLila BonnerEloise PeckSarah MarshJanie HuntAnna Margaret BellowsLinnie McCownMary Kathryn JacobeHadley HannaMary StevensLainey LandryDick EastlandJane RagsdaleJulian RyanKatheryn EadsJeff WilsonReece and Paula ZunkerBlair and Brooke HarberJoyce Catherine BadonBobby and Amanda MartinJake and Megan Moeller20-month-old boySherry RichardsonTanya BurwickSally Sample GravesKaitlyn SwallowJohn and Julia BurgessMollie SchafferRenee Smajstrla
Camp Mystic This picture of Renee Smajstrla was taken at Camp Mystic on Thursday, her uncle wrote on Facebook
Renee Smajstrla, 8, was at Camp Mystic when floodwaters swept through, her uncle said in a Facebook post.
“Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly,” wrote Shawn Salta.
“We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday,” he wrote. “She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”
Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence
John Lawrence Hanna (left) and Rebecca Lawrence
Twin sisters Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, 8, also died after attending Mystic, their grandfather told the Miami Herald.
“It has been an unimaginable time for all of us,” grandfather David Lawrence Jr told the newspaper in a statement. “Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy.”
David had earlier clarified that the twins’ elder sister Harper was safe.
Chloe Childress
Kincaid School Chloe Childress
Chloe Childress, 18, was one of Mystic’s camp counsellors.
Her family said in a statement that she “lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith”.
“Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic.”
The headteacher of Kinkaid School, where Ms Childress was a student, said: “Chloe made space for others to feel safe, valued, and brave. She understood what it meant to be part of a community, and more than that, she helped build one.”
She was due to start studies at the University of Texas in Austin later this year, ABC News reported.
Lila Bonner
Nine-year-old Lila Bonner, a Dallas native, was found dead after flooding near Camp Mystic, according to NBC News.
“In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time,” her family told the news outlet.
“We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly.”
Eloise Peck
Eloise Peck, 8, was also confirmed dead after the deluge at Camp Mystic, according to CBS News Texas. US media reported that she was best friends with Lila Bonner.
A sign posted outside Eloise Peck’s home said “she lost her life in the tragic flooding”, and asked for privacy for the family.
Sarah Marsh
Camp Mystic
Sarah Marsh, a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Alabama, would have entered third grade in August.
She, too, was attending Camp Mystic and her grandmother, Debbie Ford Marsh, posted online to say that her granddaughter was among the girls killed.
“We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful spunky ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever!” she wrote.
In a post on Facebook, Alabama Senator Katie Britt said she was “heartbroken over the loss of Sarah Marsh, and we are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time”.
Janie Hunt
OKCM Search & Rescue Team Janie Hunt
Nine-year-old Janie Hunt from Dallas, was attending the same camp and died in the floods.
Her grandmother Margaret Hunt told The New York Times she went to Camp Mystic with six of her cousins, who were all safe.
Margaret said Janie’s parents had to visit a funeral home and identify their daughter.
Janie was a great-granddaughter of the oil baron William Herbert Hunt.
Anna Margaret Bellows
Family members confirmed to the Houston Chronicle that eight-year-old Anna Margaret Bellows was another of the Camp Mystic flood victims.
Patricia Bellows, speaking to ABC News, praised the camp counsellors who tried to save the girls, including her daughter.
“The main thing I have to say is unending gratitude for the brave camp counsellors who safely evacuated so many campers, and to the two camp counsellors who gave their lives trying to protect my baby,” she said.
Linnie McCown
Family also confirmed to the Austin American-Statesman newspaper that eight-year-old camper Linnie McCown was among the dead.
“It’s with the heaviest of hearts we must share that our sweet little Linnie is with the Lord in heaven,” her father Michael posted on social media.
Mary Kathryn Jacobe
The death of another eight-year-old Mystic camper was confirmed by her family to KTRK, a station affiliated with ABC News, and Fox 26.
“Our hearts are shattered and our words fail us,” her cousin was quoted as saying by Fox 26.
Hadley Hanna
Hadley Hanna, an eight-year-old from Dallas, was another Camp Mystic attendee who died in the historic floods, according to CBS News.
Mary Stevens
A family spokesman said Mary Stevens, who attended an elementary school in Austin, was also among the victims, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
“Our world is shattered but I have peace getting your letters and knowing you were having the time of your life at camp and had a dance party with all of your friends before the Lord decided to take you from us. He has bigger plans for you,” Stacy Stevens, the girl’s mother, wrote in a social media post shared by the spokesman.
Lainey Landry
Lainey Landry was another young Camp Mystic victim who died in the Kerr County flood.
The non-profit A Voice For The Voiceless said the child’s great-aunt confirmed Lainey’s death to the organisation directly.
A family member called the discovery of her body “somewhat of a miracle itself”, A Voice For The Voiceless wrote on social media.
Dick Eastland
Richard “Dick” Eastland, the longtime co-owner and co-director of Camp Mystic, died while being flown to a Houston hospital.
The news was confirmed by Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who attended Bible study with Dick and described him as a pillar of the local community.
Dick’s wife, Tweety, was found safe at their riverside home, according to Texas Public Radio.
The Eastlands had run Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River, since 1974, becoming the third generation of their family to do so.
According to the Washington Post, the couple had 11 grandchildren and much of the extended family was involved in camp life.
The couple’s eldest son, Richard, manages the camp kitchen and their youngest, Edward, directs operations with his wife.
Jane Ragsdale
Heart O’ the Hills Jane Ragsdale was described as the “heart and soul” of Heart O’ the Hills camp
Heart O’ the Hills is another all-girls’ camp that sits along the Guadalupe River, which was in the path of Friday’s flood.
Jane Ragsdale, described as the “heart and soul” of Heart O’Hills, “did not make it”, a statement shared on the camp’s official website said on Saturday.
Ragsdale, who started off as a camper then a counsellor, became the director and co-owner of the camp in 1976.
“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” the statement said.
No campers were residing at the site when the floods hit and and most of those who were there have been accounted for, according to the statement.
Julian Ryan
GoFundMe
As floodwaters tore through their trailer in Ingram, Texas, Julian Ryan turned to his fiancée Christina Wilson and said: “I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all” – Christina told Houston television station KHOU.
His body wasn’t recovered until hours later, after waters had receded.
Julian had just finished a late dishwashing shift at a restaurant when the Guadalupe River overflowed early Friday.
He and Christina woke to ankle-deep water that quickly rose to their waists. She told the station their bedroom door stuck shut and with water rushing in, Ryan punched through a window to get his family out. He severely cut his arm in the process.
Their 13-month-old and 6-year-old sons and his mother survived by floating on a mattress until help could arrive.
“He died a hero, and that will never go unnoticed,” Connie Salas, Ryan’s sister, told KHOU.
Katheryn Eads
Katheryn Eads, 52, was swept away by floodwaters in the Kerrville area of Texas, early on Friday morning after she and her husband, Brian, who told The New York Times, fled their campervan as rising water surged around them.
Another camper had offered them a ride and they made it across the street before the vehicle stalled in the flood.
Moments later, both were pulled into the current. Brian said he lost sight of his wife after being struck by debris. He survived by clinging onto a tree until he reached dry land.
Katheryn’s body was later recovered.
“God has her now,” her mother, Elizabeth Moss Grover, wrote on Facebook.
Amy Hutchinson, director of Olive Branch Counselling in Texas, where Katheryn had worked, told The Washington Post she was “a hope and a light to all who knew her… a stellar counsellor and professor.”
Jeff Wilson
Humble ISD
Teacher Jeff Wilson was also killed in Kerrville, according to the local school authority, which said he was a “beloved teacher and co-worker” who had served the district for more than 30 years.
His wife and son were still missing, according to the post by the Humble Independent School District.
The group were on a camping trip when flooding struck, CBS News Austin reported.
Reece and Paula Zunker
The death of another teacher, Reece Zunker, was announced by a second Texan schools authority.
The football coach died alongside his wife Paula, according to Kerrville Independent School District. Their two children are still missing, the district’s Facebook post added.
“Reece was a passionate educator”, the Facebook post said. Paula, a former teacher, also “left a lasting mark”, the impact of which continued to be felt.
Blair and Brooke Harber
Two sisters from Dallas – 13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber – were staying with their grandparents along the Guadalupe River when their cabin was washed away, CBS News reported.
The deaths were confirmed by St Rita Catholic Community, where Brooke was due to start sixth grade. Blair was preparing to enter eighth grade.
“Please keep the Harber family in your prayers during this time of profound grief. May our faith, our love, and our St. Rita community be a source of strength and comfort in the days ahead,” said Father Joshua J Whitfield in correspondence with church members.
The girls’ parents were in a separate cabin and were not harmed. Their grandparents are still unaccounted for.
Joyce Catherine Badon
Facebook Joyce Catherine Badon
Joyce Catherine Badon, 21, was staying at a cabin with friends when she died in the floods, according to the Savannah College of Art and Design (Scad), where she was an architecture student.
“A beloved daughter, friend, and classmate, Joyce was passionate about using her artistry and talent to impact the world,” Scad said in a statement.
Ms Badon recently worked on a community project helping a charity in Georgia redesign its donation centres, according to the school.
Her father, Ty Badon, joined the search for his daughter in Hunt, Texas, and told CNN that while calling out her name he ended up discovering the body of a young boy, who is believed to have died in the flood.
Bobby and Amanda Martin
Husband and wife Bobby Martin, 46, and Amanda Martin, 44, also lost their lives, Mr Martin’s father told the New York Times.
They, too, were said to be staying near the river when their vehicle was swept away by rising flood waters.
Bobby was described by a friend who spoke to the Houston Chronicle as a keen outdoorsman and attentive friend, and Amanda was the “same shining light”.
Jake and Megan Moeller
The Moellers were also camping near the river in a recreational vehicle (RV), according to Ms Moeller’s aunt.
The couple’s child and parents are among the missing.
20-month-old boy
Clay Parisher, a 20-month-old boy, died in the Kerr County flash flood after his family’s home became engulfed in water, a family member told the Austin American-Statesman.
His family had been gathered at a relative’s river home to celebrate the 4 July holiday when the water suddenly rose to deadly levels.
His death was confirmed by Aaron Parsley, the boy’s uncle.
Sherry Richardson
Sherry Richardson, 64, died with her dog, a Yorkie named Omie Mae, the Austin American-Statesman reported, after her home was swept into a creek Saturday.
Their remains were found about a mile away from their Liberty Hill home on Sunday, her daughter, Deliah Greenslet said.
Tanya Burwick
Walmart employee Tanya Burwick, 62, was driving to work in San Angelo when flood water hit early on Friday, family members said.
Her empty vehicle and later her body were found the same day.
“She lit up the room and had a laugh that made other people laugh,” her daughter Lindsey Burwick was quoted as saying by the AP news agency.
Sally Sample Graves
Grandmother Sally Sample Graves was another victim of the flooding in Kerrville, according to her granddaughter, who posted a tribute on Facebook.
A huge wave is said to have destroyed Sally’s home.
“Her unwavering dedication to family has left an indelible mark on our lives,” Sarah Sample wrote. Her father survived the incident, she added.
Kaitlyn Swallow
The death of 22-year-old Kaitlyn Swallow in Williamson County was announced by county officials on Saturday.
She was from the Liberty Hill area, and her body was recovered alongside the remains of another person. Officials did not give further information.
John and Julia Burgess
John Burgess, 39, and his family were also camping near the river when floodwaters arrived, family members told KTRK, a station affiliated with ABC News.
The body of John’s wife Julia was also later found, according to her sister-in-law who posted on Facebook to announce the news.
Their couple’s two sons were also reported missing after the tragedy, Jennifer Tindall Anderson added in her post.
Mollie Schaffer
Mollie Schaffer’s body was recovered on Sunday, her husband Randy Schaffer wrote on Facebook.
Randy earlier told the Houston Chronicle that the couple had been attending a reunion with friends, and had been staying in an inn on the banks of the Guadalupe River.
In his post, Randy described how he made a lucky escape from their car as it was carried by floodwaters, but his wife did not manage to do the same.
“Mollie died in a manner consistent with how she lived – selflessly taking care of someone else before she took care of herself,” he wrote. “She wouldn’t leave the car until she was sure that I had done so. She saved my life.”