An Oklahoma basketball coach and father of four tragically lost his life, while his 8-year-old daughter is still missing, following the devastating incident of their car being swept away by powerful floodwaters in Texas on Christmas Eve.
According to CBS News, a high school coach named Will Robinson and his family were driving in their SUV on Tuesday morning when their vehicle veered off the road and became stuck in a drainage ditch in Sherman, Texas. The strong currents then swept the SUV away.
According to the Sherman Police Department, all six members of the family were trapped inside the building. Unfortunately, Robinson did not survive, but the rescue team was able to save four other family members. However, they have not yet located the 8-year-old daughter.
“We have not been able to find the 8-year-old girl,” shared Lieutenant Samuel Boyle of the Sherman Police Department with Fox News Digital.
He further added, “To aid in our search, we have focused our attention on a 15-mile stretch of creek downstream from where the vehicle came to a stop.
We have enlisted the help of a multi-jurisdictional task force to target this area.” Boyle also mentioned that the identity of Robinson and his family has not been officially confirmed by the Sherman police.
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The heart-wrenching image captures the Robinson family, including their beloved high school coach and father, Will Robinson, before the tragic accident that occurred on Christmas Eve. The photograph, shared on Facebook, serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating event that forever altered their lives.
The search for the young girl, which authorities stated has already encompassed seven miles of creek as of Wednesday, is entering its third day. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has given approval for state search and rescue teams to join in the efforts to locate the child.
The Sherman Police Department stated on Wednesday afternoon that they are expanding their investigation to include areas within the county that they have not previously explored. They added that the search efforts will persist until the evening and resume early in the morning.
According to Boyle, the accident on Tuesday was caused by a combination of heavy rainfall and the accumulation of groundwater. He explained to Fox News Digital that these factors led to the vehicle veering off the road and ending up in a drainage ditch. The vehicle then became stuck in the flooding within the drainage ditch.
“It’s truly a tragedy,” expressed the lieutenant in a conversation with KXII News 12.
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High school basketball coach Will Robinson tragically lost his life when floodwaters swept away his family’s SUV on Christmas Eve. This devastating incident left the community in shock and mourning.
The news of his untimely death spread quickly, with friends and loved ones expressing their grief on social media platforms like Facebook. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictability and dangers of natural disasters, and serves as a testament to the impact that Coach Robinson had on those around him.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking, and the fact that it’s happening on Christmas Eve only adds to the unbearable pain,” expressed Robinson’s cousin in a heart-wrenching Facebook post on Wednesday.
“Will was truly one of the most incredible individuals—a dedicated husband and father, a cherished basketball coach, and an all-around amazing person… I kindly request that you keep the entire Robinson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Multiple local and state agencies, including Texas Task Force 2, are collaborating in the search effort, according to the police. Boyle informed Fox News Digital that the search teams are actively utilizing canines and boat or watercraft teams.
During times of crisis like this, we are grateful to have the opportunity to support a community that is eager to lend a helping hand in any way possible. Our search efforts have been joined by numerous first responders who possess extensive training in navigating hazardous conditions.
We appreciate the willingness of these individuals to contribute their expertise. At this time, we have sufficient volunteers and do not require any additional assistance.
If you have any valuable information regarding the case, the Sherman Police Department is urging you to contact them at their non-emergency phone number, 903-892-7290.
According to Boyle, it is not advisable to attempt driving through substantial standing water. He emphasizes that the depth of the water is unpredictable, and vehicles are not built to handle such conditions. In a message to all drivers facing wet or flooded roads,
Boyle warns that once control of the vehicle is lost, individuals are completely vulnerable to the water’s power. This situation can be highly perilous for the occupants of the car.
“If you encounter a road with significant standing water that obstructs your path, it is crucial to stop and seek an alternative route. Contact local law enforcement or emergency services for guidance, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.”
