Not long ago, three generations of the Harber family were enjoying a cruise vacation onboard Carnival Jubilee.

Today, two of the youngest family members are dead and two others are missing following the disastrous flash flooding in Central Texas over the 4th of July weekend.

Carnival Cruise Line has joined the world in mourning for the family’s tragic loss, and for all who were impacted by the natural disaster.

Blair Harber, who was 13-years-old, and Brooke Harber, who was just 11-years-old, died shortly after the deluge started in the early morning on July 4, 2025, in Hunt, Texas.

The sisters were staying with their grandparents, Charlene and Mike Harber, who are currently missing and presumed dead.

Both Brand Ambassador John Heald and popular Cruise Director Kyndall “Fire” Magyar remembered interacting with the Harber family as part of their recent sailing onboard Carnival Jubilee and publicly shared their sadness.

The family had joined the Excel-class vessel for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, which is an itinerary that the 2023-launched ship has been operating on repeat out of the Port of Galveston.

“I distinctly remember the two radiant smiles of these beautiful little girls, who the world now knows is Blair and Brooke Harber,” Magyar shared with a photo of the family in a tribute on social media.

“Not only did I have the opportunity to meet them, but their whole family. Their parents RJ and Annie, and their grandparents Mike and Charlene,” Magyar continued as she asked her followers to join her in sending their thoughts and prayers.

Heald also shared his own condolences on his Facebook Page and recalled sending the girls a small gift during their cruise to “make them smile.”

“Those beautiful girls, Blair and Brooke were lost to the floods in Texas. Their grandparents who had also been on the Carnival Jubilee with them were also lost,” Heald penned.

“On behalf of everyone at Carnival Cruise Line I send our condolences, love and prayers to the Harber family and to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he concluded.

The family made heroic efforts to get to their loved ones, with the girls’ father, RJ, even attempting to navigate the rough waters via a borrowed kayak.

But, unfortunately, the flooding and heavy rain came on too fast and were simply too intense.

The girls’ bodies were found less than a day after the flooding began in Kerrville, swept about 15 miles away from the home where they had been sleeping. They were still holding hands even in death.

Moving Past the Heartbreak

The Harber family are sadly just a small portion of the Texas community that is reeling from the intense flash flooding.

As of July 8, 2025, at least 110 people have been confirmed dead across six counties, with another 161 reported as missing.

First responders continue to search through the wreckage for possible survivors, but hope of finding living victims fades with every hour.

It will likely cost in the billions to repair the damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the affected areas, and the heartbreak among those who lost loved ones may be irreversible.

Read Also: From Mishaps to Maydays – Cruise Ship Accidents

That said, Carnival is trying to do its part to make things just a little easier in the wake of the tragedy.

On a smaller scale, Magyar shared the Harber Family’s GoFundMe with her hundreds of thousands of followers to help them raise money for the sisters’ joint funeral and services for their grandparents when they are finally found.

Surely helped by the publicity, the fundraiser has raised $310,030 as of the time of writing, which far exceeds the $275,000 goal.

On a larger scale, the Carnival Foundation, which is the cruise line’s philanthropic arm, actively supports disaster relief efforts through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, and fundraising initiatives.

While Carnival hasn’t specifically spoken about efforts being made to assist Texas, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the cruise line stepping up to the plate. 

Cruise Hive also sends our condolences to the Harber family and all who were affected by this horrible tragedy.

Carnival Mourns for Passengers Killed in Texas Flash Floods