Following a tragic Christmas Eve incident, the search for an 8-year-old girl from Oklahoma remains unresolved as rescue crews comb waterways and regions surrounding Sherman, Texas. The girl's father, Will Robinson, was confirmed dead after the family SUV he was driving succumbed to raging floodwaters, prompting widespread community support and state assistance for the search efforts.
According to reports, the accident occurred shortly after 9:30 AM on December 24, when the vehicle veered off U.S. 75 near Taylor Street and became trapped in a drainage ditch. The Chevrolet Traverse was carrying six family members traveling from Durant, Oklahoma to McKinney, Texas. Authorities from the Sherman Police Department described how the SUV was swept away by powerful currents. While four passengers managed to escape the vehicle, Robinson and his daughter were not as fortunate.
"The other two were swept away by the water," explained Lt. Sam Boyle of the Sherman Police Department. "We tried to get them also, they kept trying farther down the stream... and we were just unable to reach them." By arrangements with local officials, the intense search operations have engaged numerous first responders trained to handle hazardous conditions.
The search commenced as Christmas Day fell, with authorities initially covering approximately seven miles of the nearby creek without any success. "Extensive searches have been going on for the past 36 hours," the department posted on social media, highlighting the community's support amid the tragedy. "Everyone's kindness truly shines, but right now, we ask for respect of the family's privacy during this unimaginable period of grief."
Despite these heartfelt sentiments, the rescue efforts shifted focus as night approached. On December 26, search teams expanded their focus to new territories; they looked at the lower branches of Post Oak and Choctaw creeks. "We are shifting our focus to target some possible locations we have yet to examine," noted the department. The search would resume at daylight, promising unwavering determination from all involved.
Robinson, who was remembered as the head coach of the Durant High School Lady Lions basketball team, left behind not only his daughter but also many friends and community members who admired his dedication. The Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association described him as “the kindest of souls” whose impact reached far beyond his coaching career. By reports, four surviving family members remain hospitalized but are expected to recover, offering some small measure of good news amid the devastation.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott authorized the deployment of state search and rescue teams to strengthen local search efforts. The community came together to provide support, though the police department expressed they were not seeking additional volunteers or donations at this time. "Receiving those donations requires work, and right now, our total focus must remain on finding this 8-year-old girl," they added.
Anyone with pertinent information related to the missing child is urged to contact the Sherman Police Department’s non-emergency line. Meanwhile, the emotional toll of the search resonates across the towns of Sherman and Durant, where the urge to help is only matched by the anxiety of not knowing the fate of the young girl.
Both family and officials continue to remain hopeful for positive news, as the community and beyond hold onto the hope of her safe return. The search for the missing child stands as a poignant reminder of both the unpredictable nature of extreme weather and the strength of communal bonds during crises.
