In an emotional interview with ABC News’ David Muir, Robert Brake Jr. shared his heartbreaking and gut-wrenching story of searching for his parents, who are among the many missing after catastrophic flash floods ravaged parts of Southeast Texas. The tragic flood, which swept through the Guadalupe River region, wiped out homes, businesses, and lives. For Robert, the devastation wasn’t just about losing property—it was the nightmare of not knowing whether his parents, Harold and Margaret Brake, had survived the disaster or if they had been swept away with their cabin.

The Destructive Floods That Swept Through Texas

The flash floods that struck Texas starting on July 4, 2025, hit without warning. The Guadalupe River, a normally serene and peaceful body of water, swelled beyond its banks after record rainfall flooded the region. Within hours, streets, homes, and entire neighborhoods were submerged, leaving residents stranded and scrambling for safety. By the time the waters receded, 112 people were confirmed dead, with 58 still missing. Among the missing were Harold and Margaret Brake, who were in their cabin, nestled along the Guadalupe River, when the floodwaters rose unexpectedly.

As search and rescue teams combed through the debris, the situation became increasingly dire. With no signs of life from the cabin, and no news of Harold and Margaret, Robert’s hopes of finding his parents alive were slowly dimming, but his determination never wavered.

A Son’s Desperate Search

David Muir met Robert at the site of his parents’ cabin, which had been completely washed away in the floods. What was once a peaceful retreat for the Brake family was now nothing but a pile of rubble and debris. Standing in front of the remnants of his childhood home, Robert’s face was a mix of anguish, frustration, and hope as he recounted the events leading up to the flood.

“The hardest part is not knowing,” Robert said, his voice cracking as he spoke to Muir. “Every day, I wake up hoping for a phone call, hoping to hear their voices, but there’s nothing. It’s just silence.” His words reflected the deep pain that so many flood victims face—not just the loss of homes, but the emotional toll of waiting for answers that may never come.

Robert’s search has been complicated by the scale of the disaster. The vast destruction, combined with the overwhelming number of missing persons, has made it difficult for rescue teams to locate survivors. Still, Robert refuses to give up. He spends every day combing through the wreckage, looking for any trace of his parents, clinging to the hope that they may still be out there somewhere, waiting to be found.

“If I Could Talk to Them Again…”

Amid the anguish of not knowing his parents’ fate, Robert bravely shared the emotional thoughts that have kept him going through the darkest days. “If I could talk to them again, I’d just tell them how much I love them,” he said, his eyes welling with tears. “I would tell them to be strong, to hold on, and that I’m coming for them, no matter what. I’ve never felt so helpless in my life, but I won’t stop looking for them. I can’t. They’re my parents.”

Robert’s words resonated deeply with viewers, as his raw emotion painted a picture of the excruciating pain of not knowing if your loved ones are alive or lost. His heartfelt plea captures the universal fear and grief that many others affected by the floods are feeling, as they too search for loved ones in the aftermath of the destruction.

The Toll of the Texas Floods: A Community in Crisis

The flood that hit Texas has left more than just physical destruction. Entire communities have been displaced, homes wiped out, and critical infrastructure obliterated. The Guadalupe River, once a symbol of beauty and tranquility, has become a reminder of nature’s unforgiving power.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with over 850 people rescued, but the task of finding survivors is difficult and dangerous. Despite the overwhelming odds, Robert Brake Jr. remains resolute. “I’ve got to find them. I can’t leave until I do,” he said, his voice filled with unwavering determination.

In addition to the personal pain of losing his parents, Robert has been grappling with the frustration of not being able to help his family recover more quickly. “I’m not giving up,” he said. “I’m going to find them. I don’t care how long it takes.”

A Message of Hope Amid Tragedy

Despite the immense loss and the overwhelming obstacles in his way, Robert’s message to the public is one of hope and perseverance. “I want everyone to know how strong the human spirit can be. Even when everything is taken from you, you can still fight. I’m not giving up on my parents. I will find them.”

His words are a testament to the power of hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Robert’s refusal to give up is not just a personal determination, but a symbol of resilience for the entire community of Texas, who are facing similar fears and grief.

David Muir’s interview with Robert highlighted not only the devastation of the Texas floods but also the deeply personal toll that such disasters take on individuals and families. It’s easy to get caught up in the statistics—the number of homes destroyed, the number of missing persons—but Robert’s story is a reminder that behind every number, there is a person, a family, and a community struggling to survive.

What’s Next for Robert Brake Jr.?

As the search for his parents continues, Robert’s resolve remains unshaken. His journey is far from over, but his dedication to finding his parents and his refusal to let go of hope continue to inspire others in Texas and beyond. Despite the overwhelming odds, Robert’s bravery serves as a shining example of the strength that can emerge in times of crisis.

Though the road ahead is uncertain, Robert’s journey offers a glimmer of hope to others who are facing similar hardships. As he continues to search for his parents, his story serves as a reminder that, no matter how dire the circumstances, the human spirit can prevail—if only we have the courage to keep fighting.

Conclusion: A Story of Unwavering Determination

As the recovery efforts continue across Texas, the search for missing individuals like Harold and Margaret Brake will remain a priority. For Robert Brake Jr., the search is more than a mission—it is a testament to the love and commitment he has for his parents, and his unwavering determination to bring them home.

In the face of unimaginable grief and loss, Robert’s resilience and strength serve as a reminder of the power of family and the lengths we will go to for those we love. The search may continue for some time, but Robert’s hope remains steadfast. No matter what, he will never stop searching, because for him, family is worth every ounce of effort and every moment of hope.