Hurricane Harvey: Flooding Claims 6 Members Of Same Family

AUSTIN, TX — Every natural disaster has its share of tragedies that stay with you long after the news coverage has ceased. But particularly heartbreaking tragedies emerge at every disaster site, human drama so unthinkable as to stay etched in one's memory forever in considering the unimaginable pain involved. This was the case with the Saldivar household in Houston, who lost six members of their family — including four children — in the historic deluge.

Police have confirmed the single deadliest incident stemming from Tropical Storm Harvey, with victims ranging in ages from 6 to 84.

The family drowned in a van Sunday afternoon while attempting to escape the flood, according to numerous media reports. Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies confirmed on Wednesday afternoon they had located the van.

Rescue crews then went about the grim task of recovering the bodies, two of which were found in the van and the rest in surrounding high waters. The dead have been identified as Manuel Saldivar, 84; his wife Belia, 81; Daisy Saldivar, 6; Xavier Saldivar, 8; Dominic Saldivar, 14; and Devy Saldivar, 16.

The four youths were grandchildren of the eldest victims, according to police. The driver of the vehicle, the children's great uncle, managed to escape before the van went under, KHOU reported. Family members have told media outlets the family was attempting to reach higher ground before the van came across raging flood waters after crossing a bridge on Green River Road in Greens Bayou.

KHOU reports the vehicle's driver told family members he instructed his passengers to escape through the back door, but the efforts were unsuccessful. Instead, the van was swept up in the powerful currents and quickly sank below the surface.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family pay for funeral services. At last check, the campaign had raised $13,137 of a $30,000 goal. To help the family, click here.

For a time, a fraudulent GoFundMe page was organized seeking to capitalize on the family's unthinkable tragedy. But it's best to avoid too many details of that evil, as there is only so much sadness — so much numbing disbelief, heartbreak and anger — one is able to bear.

Suffice it to say, the fake account has been taken down as screen grabs prior to its dissolution would indicate. The fake account appears to have generated more than $4,600 in ill-gotten gains before being exposed as fake. How anyone can spend the raised money raised by such unholy means is as unfathomable and unthinkable as the breadth of the tragedy serving as its twisted inspiration.

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>>> Photo of Saldivar family via GoFundMe