Texas man clings to hope his missing parents are 'still alive' as he continues search after deadly floods

KERRVILLE, TEXAS: Amid the devastation of flash floods in Central Texas, one man is holding on to hope against all odds.

Robert Brake Jr is tirelessly searching for his parents, Robert Leroy Brake Sr and Joni Kay Brake, 67 and 66, who vanished after their cabin at the HTR Campground in Kerrville was swept away on Friday, July 4.

Despite the destruction and rising death toll, 119 confirmed dead and more than 160 still missing, Brake Jr told ABC News he believes his parents are "still alive."

Robert Brake Jr continues his desperate search for his missing parents after the Texas floods

Brake Jr, who began searching for his parents in the early hours of July 4, was seen navigating through twisted trees and debris, equipped with a walking stick, hiking boots, and unwavering faith.

He described his parents as loving family members who were active and deeply cherished by their three children, five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

“My folks got washed away in their cabin,” Brake Jr told ABC News. “We came down to help in the search efforts. Maybe 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."

The floods struck Central Texas with little warning, with a flash flood emergency declared for Kerr County at 4.03 am on July 4, just before the Brakes’ cabin was swept away. Some areas received up to 15 inches of rain, more than twice what was forecast.

After four days of searching alongside family, Brake Jr says he found comfort through his faith.

“The Lord woke me up. He put me on my feet. He said go make a difference,” he said. “If it means people being kind to each other... I'll accept 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.”

Though he is preparing for the worst, Brake Jr holds onto a small glimmer of hope. “I'm hoping and praying there's an ounce of hope that they're still alive,” he remarked.

The tragedy has deeply affected many families across central Texas, including those connected to Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors died when floodwaters overwhelmed the century-old summer camp. At least 18 people remain missing in the region, including six from Camp Mystic.

Grandson of Robert Leroy Brake Sr and Joni Kay Brake recalls family’s final moments before flood

Ryen Brake, a grandchild of the missing couple, spoke to ABC affiliate WFAA on Monday, revealing that his grandparents were visiting Kerr County for the first time when the floods struck. They had come to spend time with their son and his wife.

“They are patriots through and through. 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,” Ryen said.

Ryen continued, "My father received a call from my uncle. He had just been abruptly woken up to his RV floating away, and he was losing everything just in complete panic.”

Ryen's grandparents were just about 20 yards away at the time. Ryen said his uncle managed to briefly warn them as he hurried to their campsite.

“It just stated that, hey, you need to wake up. You need to get out of there now. Everything's underwater. There's a lot of trouble coming your way,” Ryen recalled. But in the short four to six minutes it took his uncle to reach them, the entire area was swept away by the flood.

“There are RVs wrapped around trees 20 feet high,” said Ryen. “What’s making it so challenging for everybody is that there is so much debris left that has not been uncovered or overturned yet.”

In a heartfelt interview with ABC News' David Muir, Brake Jr shared the message he would most want to send to his parents if given the chance: “Thank you... Thank you for being such good parents. Thank you for raising such good children and instilling good values in us."