In a rare and emotional moment that has captivated audiences, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld broke down in tears while reporting on a tragic discovery in Texas following devastating floods that struck the state in early July 2025. The incident involved the heartbreaking recovery of the bodies of two sisters, Blair and Brooke Harber, who were found deceased after being swept away by floodwaters, still holding hands. Gutfeld’s personal connection to the story—rooted in his own experience as a father—added a layer of raw humanity to the coverage, resonating deeply with viewers and sparking widespread reflection on the human cost of natural disasters.
The tragedy unfolded in Kerr County, Texas, where torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, leading to catastrophic flooding over the Fourth of July weekend. The Harber sisters, aged 13 and 11, were staying with their grandparents in a gated community in Hunt when the deluge struck around 3:30 a.m. on July 4. Their aunt, Jennifer Harber, recounted the harrowing details: the family awoke to water rising at a rate of one foot per minute, forcing them to break a window to escape. Despite their efforts, the sisters were swept away, their bodies later discovered about 15 miles away in Kerrville, still clutching each other with rosaries in hand. This poignant image of the girls’ bond amid the chaos became a focal point of the unfolding story.
Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and satirical take on news on his show Gutfeld!, found himself visibly moved during a segment on July 7, 2025. As he reported the grim news, he struggled to maintain composure, his voice cracking as he said, “Two girls still holding hands, I also have a daughter, I can’t bear this pain.” The comment revealed a seldom-seen vulnerability, connecting his role as a father to the unimaginable grief of the Harber family. This moment stood in stark contrast to his usual on-air persona, drawing attention not only to the tragedy but also to the personal toll such stories take on those who deliver them.
The floods, which have claimed at least 111 lives across Texas as of July 9, 2025, have been described as one of the state’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history. The Guadalupe River’s unprecedented rise—swelling 26 feet in 45 minutes—devastated communities, including Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp where 27 campers and counselors perished. The Harber sisters’ story is just one of many heart-wrenching tales emerging from the disaster, yet it has struck a particular chord due to the sisters’ age, their close bond, and the circumstances of their discovery. Their parents, who were in a separate cabin, survived, but their grandparents remain missing, adding to the family’s anguish.
Gutfeld’s emotional response has sparked a mix of reactions. Fans on social media praised his authenticity, with posts on X highlighting his humanity: “Seeing Greg Gutfeld cry over those girls shows he’s more than just a comedian—he’s a dad who gets it.” Others, however, questioned whether such displays are appropriate for a news host, reflecting a broader debate about the role of emotion in journalism. This incident echoes past moments when public figures have been moved to tears on air, such as when Anderson Cooper broke down reporting on Hurricane Katrina in 2005, underscoring how personal connections can amplify the impact of tragedy.
The flooding’s scope has raised questions about preparedness and warning systems. Survivors like Matthew Stone of Kerrville reported receiving no emergency alerts before a “pitch-black wall of death” engulfed their homes, suggesting potential gaps in communication. Governor Greg Abbott has defended the state’s response, emphasizing ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, but critics argue that the rapid escalation of the floods—coupled with a history of flooding in the region known as “flash flood alley”—warrants a reevaluation of infrastructure and evacuation protocols. The National Weather Service had issued warnings, yet the speed of the deluge overwhelmed many, including the Harber family and Camp Mystic’s 750 campers.
The discovery of Blair and Brooke’s bodies, still hand in hand, has become a symbol of resilience and love amid loss. Jennifer Harber noted that the rosaries found with them were a comfort, reflecting the family’s faith as they cope with their grief. St. Rita Catholic Community School in Dallas, where Brooke was set to start sixth grade and Blair eighth grade, plans a joint funeral, further uniting the community in mourning. This image of the sisters has also drawn comparisons to other tragic yet tender moments, such as the 2011 Japan tsunami, where families were found embracing in death, highlighting a universal human instinct to hold on to loved ones in crisis.
Gutfeld’s reaction also invites scrutiny of the media’s role in framing such disasters. His show, typically a platform for political satire, shifted to a more somber tone, with co-hosts Tyrus and Kat Timpf joining him on a boat in Texas to report live, wearing life jackets and holding microphones—a visual nod to the ongoing danger. This coverage, blending on-site reporting with personal reflection, has been both lauded for its immediacy and critiqued for potentially sensationalizing grief. Yet, it undeniably brought national attention to a story that might otherwise have remained local, amplifying calls for aid and support.
The broader context of the Texas floods reveals a complex narrative. Climate change is increasingly cited as a factor, with warmer air holding more moisture and leading to more intense rain events. The region’s geography, with its rocky terrain that prevents water absorption, exacerbates the risk, a point emphasized by local experts like Austin Dickson of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Despite this, the focus remains on the human stories, with families like the Harbers embodying the personal toll. As of July 9, 173 people remain missing, and the death toll could rise as search efforts continue amidst warnings of further rain.
Gutfeld’s emotional outpouring has also sparked conversations about fatherhood and empathy. As a father himself, his words—“I can’t bear this pain”—mirror the sentiments of parents across Texas who have lost children or are still searching for them. This connection has humanized him to viewers, many of whom see his tears as a bridge between the newsroom and the affected communities. It also contrasts with his past critiques of emotional displays in politics, adding a layer of irony that has fueled online discussions.
The Harber family’s ordeal is far from over. With their grandparents still unaccounted for, they face an uncertain future, supported by Southwest Airlines, where Jennifer works, which has offered to fly the sisters’ bodies home. The community’s response, including vigils and donations, reflects a collective effort to heal, while Gutfeld’s tears have become a catalyst for broader awareness. His decision to report from a boat, alongside Tyrus and Timpf, underscores the ongoing risk, with images of the trio in life jackets symbolizing both solidarity and the precariousness of the situation.
As Texas grapples with the aftermath, the story of Blair and Brooke Harber, preserved in their final embrace, serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. Gutfeld’s breakdown, aired to millions, has transformed a local tragedy into a national moment of reflection, blending journalism with a father’s heartbreak. As rescue operations shift toward recovery and the region braces for more weather challenges, this emotional coverage ensures that the human cost—captured in the clasped hands of two sisters—remains at the forefront of the narrative.
