An Oklahoma high school basketball coach, Will Robinson, was found dead after floodwaters swept him away alongside his family on Christmas Eve. The tragic incident took place Tuesday morning when the family was driving their SUV from Durant, Oklahoma, to McKinney, Texas. The vehicle hydroplaned off Highway 75, got caught in a drainage ditch, and was carried away by floodwaters caused by heavy rains.
According to reports from the Sherman Police Department, Robinson, 38, did not survive the accident, but four family members were rescued. Among those missing is Robinson's 8-year-old daughter, Clara. "We are still unsuccessful in our efforts to locate the 8-year-old girl," said Lieutenant Samuel Boyle of the Sherman Police Department.
The vehicle was swept away shortly after it left the road and fell victim to the rushing currents. "This is just devastating, and happening on Christmas Eve makes it unbearable," Robinson's cousin shared. Clara was reportedly last seen being held by her father just before they were separated as the SUV was overtaken by the rising waters.
Emergency responders stretched their search efforts to encompass lengthy stretches of creek downstream, focusing on a 15-mile area. "We have identified possible locations we have not looked at yet," Sheriff Boyle told Fox News Digital, adding, "Our search will continue until dark today, then we will resume searching again before daylight." While search crews have extensive experience, local traditions of community support shone through as many offered assistance.
On the day of the accident, strong rainfall led to difficult driving conditions. The police have warned drivers against attempting to drive through standing water, alerting them to the dangerous situation lurking beneath the surface. "Once you have lost control of your ability to drive your car, then you are simply at the mercy of the water. Vehicles are not meant to traverse through heavy floodwaters,” Boyle cautioned.
The efforts to find Clara have involved both helicopters and drones. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has also extended state search and rescue team assistance to support local efforts. On Friday, Sherman officials offered the public updates about the recovered family members. While Robinson's 5-year-old daughter was rescued and revived after being unresponsive, the search for Clara remains the focal point of the rescue operation.
At the news conference, Sheriff Boyle spoke of the discomfort felt across the community due to Will Robinson's untimely death. "It’s heartbreaking to see one man trying to save his daughter and then losing his life doing so, "表达s他的痛苦. The loss of Robinson has deeply impacted his community of Durant, where he was known as not just a dedicated coach but also as a devoted husband and father. Friends and family have shared memories of his kindness on social media, with many expressing their heartbreak over the family's tragedy.
Following the accident, local residents paid tribute to Robinson, who served as the girls' basketball coach. His cousin, Susan Sumsurf, remembered him fondly, saying, "Will was one of the good ones—a devoted husband and father, and just a great person...please keep the entire Robinson family in your thoughts and prayers."
Local officials continue to remain hopeful with their search approaches. The Sherman Police Department recently announced collaboration with multiple jurisdictional task forces. "We appreciate all the offers for assistance and are thankful for your concern and willingness to help," the department stated. Despite the extensive search effort, they maintain hope and are resolute to not stop until Clara is found.
The Robinson family's plight serves as a reminder of both the dangers posed by rapidly changing weather conditions and the strength of community response during tragedies. Families are urged to be cautious during heavy rainfall and to seek safer routes when faced with such challenges. The search continues not just for Clara, but as part of honoring the life of Will Robinson—a man who truly cared for his family and community.
