After days of agony waiting for news on their missing mother and father, lost during the July 4 flooding in Central Texas, the Brake family now has answers.
Robert Brake Jr. of Burleson said late last week he received confirmation from the Texas Rangers that his mother, Joni Kay Brake, had been recovered and positively identified. His father, Robert Brake Sr., had been recovered previously.
“Our family — my brother Lucas, my sister Liza and I — have walked through unimaginable heartbreak. But we have not walked it alone,” Brake said in a public statement.
The Brakes, who live in Abilene, were last seen at 4:45 a.m. July 4 at HTR TX Hill Country RV Park & Campground. It was their first visit to Kerrville, where they went to spend the Fourth of July with one of their sons and his wife.
D-FW Weather Wise
Related:Search resumes for flood victims in Central Texas after new round of rain subsides
“The Fourth of July was a favorite holiday for our family, and unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to be the case anymore,” their grandson Ryen Brake told WFAA.
The Brakes’ RV was caught in rushing waters when nearly 15 inches of rain fell in 45 minutes. The Brakes leave behind three children, five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
The Brake family’s story captured hearts across the world, with millions offering prayers, hope and encouragement. From news interviews to shared posts and silent prayers, the response has been overwhelming, showing the power of community and faith during times of crisis, Robert Brake Jr. said.
Related:Kerr County considered adding warning sirens years before flood. Why didn’t it happen?
“My father preached kindness,” he said. “He taught us to love people, to help when we could, and to never take one another for granted. And in these days of sorrow and searching, I have seen that message come to life. Strangers became friends. Communities became extended families. There has been so much beauty in this tragedy.”
Related:Remembering the victims of the Kerr County floods
Brake expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and highlighted the personal impact of every act of kindness, whether big or small.
“To every person who prayed, shared our story, sent a message, or simply paused to think of us: Thank you,” he said. “One day, I hope I can say that to each of you in person. When you’re in the midst of grief, it’s the smallest act — a kind word, a shared memory, a silent prayer — that gives you the strength to push on.”
Related:How 10 inches of rain turned into a deadly 30-foot wall of water in Kerr County
While the Brake family has found a measure of closure, Robert Brake reminds the public that many families are still hurting and searching for their loved ones.
“So please, don’t stop the prayers. Keep them coming,” he said. “The messages of hope and faith are working. They are carrying people through.”
As of Sunday, at least 130 people have been killed in the floods, with 170 still missing. Authorities believe more than160 people may still be missing in Kerr County alone, and 10 more in neighboring areas.