Girl, 8, Was Swept Away After Christmas Eve Crash. 4 Months Later, Officials Make 'Gut-Wrenching' Decision
The search has ended for an 8-year-old girl who vanished in Texas when her family's car was swept away by floodwaters after a Christmas Eve crash.
Clara Robinson of Oklahoma disappeared after her family's car became trapped in a drainage ditch and traveled down a creek on Dec. 24, 2024, the Sherman Police Department previously said.
In January, the department turned ongoing search efforts over to Texas EquuSearch, authorities confirm to PEOPLE — but despite their best efforts, the organization recently announced that they made the difficult decision to end their search.
'From the very beginning, the search for Clara Robinson has stood as a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and unwavering resolve,' the volunteer search and recovery group wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, April 28.
The organization shared that even after ground search operations ended in February, a focused underwater search continued.
'Despite every effort, Clara has not yet been found,' the group continued. 'After conducting one final water search this past weekend, Texas EquuSearch has made the difficult and gut-wrenching decision to formally conclude its search operations as of Sunday, April 27, 2025.'
Related: Woman and Boy Dead amid Flooding and 'Historical Weather Event' in Oklahoma
According to The Oklahoman, four out of the six family members were rescued after the crash, but Clara's dad did not survive.
Police believe that Will Robinson, a basketball coach at Durant High School, likely died while trying to save Clara, Fox affiliate KDFW reported.
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'Will gave his life saving his family, and his presence surrounds them, along with the countless extended family, friends, players and students whose lives are forever better having known him,' according to an obituary.
A joint memorial service was held for Will and Clara in January at the high school's gymnasium, per CBS affiliate KXII.
Related: Factory Not Responsible After 6 Workers Died During Hurricane Helene Flooding, Tenn. State Agency Reports
As Texas EquuSearch announced they were ending their search, the organization said that local dive partners will carry on looking for Clara independently — and that they are open to revisiting the search 'should a new and viable plan or expert-supported strategy arise.'
Related: Teacher Mourns 9-Year-Old Who Died After Being Swept Away in Flood While Walking to School Bus Stop
The group went on to thank Clara's family, the Sherman Police Department and other individuals, organizations and supporters who "stood with us, searched alongside us, and lifted us in prayer."
They added, "Clara remains in all of our hearts."
Read the original article on People
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