Sherman, Texas - Tragedy struck on Christmas Eve when Will Robinson, a respected high school basketball coach from Durant, Oklahoma, drowned after his family's SUV was swept away by raging floodwaters. His 8-year-old daughter, Clara, remains missing following the devastating incident.
According to the Sherman Police Department, the horrendous accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on December 24, when the SUV, carrying six occupants, veered off the roadway and became trapped in a drainage ditch. The vehicle was then carried away by the strong currents of water.
Will Robinson did not survive the ordeal, but four other family members managed to escape the vehicle and were rescued by responding personnel. Sheriff officials believe the accident was caused by "a combination of heavy downpour and accumulating groundwater," which caused the vehicle to hydroplane off the roadway.
"Once they're in the ditch, they're really at the mercy of the water flow and the speed at which it's going down," stated Lieutenant Samuel Boyle of the Sherman Police Department. Robinson and his daughter were reportedly on their way to McKinney, Texas, when the tragic events unfolded.
Efforts to locate Clara have intensified as local authorities and Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed state search and rescue teams to assist. Search parties have expanded their efforts and, by Christmas Day, had sifted through approximately seven miles of creek near the original accident scene. Despite thorough searches, hoping to find signs of Clara, officials have sadly reported no success so far.
"Extensive searches have been going on for the past 36 hours," the police stated on their social media accounts. "We have identified about 15 miles of creek downstream from the accident site and targeted those locations with our multi-jurisdictional task force, including canines and watercraft teams." Plans to continue searching at first light following the winter darkness were also communicated.
Lieutenant Boyle emphasized the dangers of driving during adverse weather conditions, advising the public to steer clear from flooded areas. "Please drive very carefully," he warned. "If you think your vehicle can make it through large standing water, please reconsider and take another route because once you hit it, you can easily lose control."
The outpouring of grief for Robinson has been immense, as he was not only known for his coaching skills but also his commitment to family. He became part of Durant Public Schools back in 2019 and was head coach of the Lady Lions basketball team. Colleagues and community members have expressed deep sorrow over the news, with many recalling him as "one of the good ones" and noting his positive impacts on the lives of his players.
His cousin expressed her grief on social media: "Will was just devastating, and happening on Christmas Eve makes it unbearable. He was devoted to his family, beloved by so many, and just simply one of the best people around." The Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association also paid tribute to Robinson, stating he was known for being kind-hearted and supportive, both on and off the court.
While the police have requested privacy for the family during this "unimaginable period of grief," they also acknowledged the generosity of the community. They kindly asked citizens to refrain from delivering snacks and beverages, stating it has taken away from search effort resources. "We appreciate the kind offerings to help us at this tragic time; we do not need additional materials right now, and our focus is 100% on finding Clara," police reiterated.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances and relentless challenges brought on by inclement weather, many community members are stepping up to show their support. Local law enforcement expressed gratitude for the numerous volunteers who have offered to assist, though they clarified the expertise required for search operations is sufficient. The focus remains squarely on finding Clara and providing closure for the family.
Anyone with pertinent information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Sherman Police Department's non-emergency number at (903) 892-7290 to aid search efforts.
