A Texas man, Robert Brake Jr., is grappling with the likely loss of his parents, Joni Kay Brake and Robert Leroy Brake Sr., who went missing during last week's devastating flooding. The catastrophic deluge swept through Kerrville, Texas, washing away their cabin at the HTR campground in the early hours of July 4. The flooding, which struck with little warning, has resulted in over 108 confirmed fatalities across central Texas, affecting numerous families in the region.

Robert Brake Jr. has dedicated himself to searching for his parents since the tragedy unfolded. In an interview with ABC News, he expressed the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on him: "My folks got washed away in their cabin. We came down to help in the search efforts. Maybe we may not be able to find my parents under this tragedy, but maybe we can help somebody else find theirs and have some closure and peace." His selfless attitude highlights the communal spirit that has emerged in the wake of this natural disaster.

The flooding was unprecedented, with some areas receiving more than 15 inches of rain, far exceeding the forecasts. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Kerr County at 4:03 a.m. on July 4, just moments before the Brakes' cabin was engulfed by the rising waters. The suddenness of the storm has left the community in shock and mourning, as many families struggle to come to terms with their losses.

After days of searching alongside family members, Brake Jr. shared a profound moment he experienced that has helped him find some measure of acceptance regarding his parents’ fate. "The Lord woke me up. He put me on my feet. He said go make a difference," he recounted to ABC News. Brake Jr. emphasized that if his parents' loss could inspire kindness and compassion among others, he would find solace in that. "If that’s what it meant to lose my parents—people to be kind to each other just one more day and love the Lord just a little more—I’ll accept that," he said.

The tragedy has reverberated throughout central Texas, with the catastrophic flooding also claiming the lives of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a century-old summer camp. Local authorities have reported that at least 18 individuals remain missing in the region, including six who were last seen at Camp Mystic. The ongoing recovery efforts involve hundreds of volunteers and over 20 state agencies working tirelessly to locate those still unaccounted for.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Brake Jr. holds onto a flicker of hope for his parents. "I’m hoping and praying there’s an ounce of hope that they’re still alive," he stated. His parents are remembered fondly, leaving behind three children, five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. As the search continues, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is scheduled to hold a news conference at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to address the ongoing crisis, as concerns mount over the possibility of additional rain impacting already saturated areas of central Texas.