Latest news with #ShermanPoliceDepartment
CBS News
01-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Texas EquuSearch ends efforts to find missing 8-year-old Oklahoma girl Clara Robinson
Group ends search for missing Oklahoma girl after family's car swept away in Texas floodwaters Group ends search for missing Oklahoma girl after family's car swept away in Texas floodwaters Group ends search for missing Oklahoma girl after family's car swept away in Texas floodwaters Expressing sadness, Texas EquuSearch has officially ended its search for Clara Robinson, just more than three months after taking over efforts to locate the missing young Oklahoma girl. The 8-year-old child disappeared after being swept away by floodwaters when her family's vehicle crashed into a fast-flowing drainage ditch off U.S. 75 in Sherman on Christmas Eve. Her father lost his life while attempting to rescue her. Clara Robinson, 8 Texas EquuSearch Search operations for Clara Robinson concluded The renowned nonprofit organization took over the search and recovery efforts for the child from the Sherman Police Department in mid-January. In a Facebook post earlier this week, the organization announced it had concluded its search operations on Sunday after extensive ground and underwater initiatives. After conducting one final water search, Texas EquuSearch said it made the "difficult and gut-wrenching decision" to end its search operations. Future search efforts not ruled out However, it said "local dive partners" will continue to search independently. Texas EquuSearch said it remains open to "revisiting efforts should a new and viable plan or expert-supported strategy arise." "Clara remains in all our hearts" "We extend our deepest gratitude to every searcher, responder, and supporter who has contributed time, heart, and strength to this mission," Texas EquuSearch said in the post. "To all who have stood with us, searched alongside us, and lifted us in prayer, thank you. Clara remains in all of our hearts." Details of search efforts released According to Texas EquuSearch, the effort "unfolded across complex and unpredictable terrain, and through every challenge, no stone was left unturned." The organization's efforts included foot searchers, excavators, drones, K9 teams, kayaks with sonar, helicopters, ATVs, UTVs, and an amphibious vehicle. Texas EquuSearch said its ground search operations concluded on Feb. 17. After that, the organization said a focused underwater search was carried out by skilled dive and water recovery team volunteers, alongside dedicated local dive volunteers. Alert issued for missing child's clothing Before then, the organization released details on the missing child's clothing. According to Texas EquuSearch, the child was wearing a two-piece pink pajama set, a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and short, tan boots of suede-like material in a child's size. The organization included photos of the actual clothing and boots worn by the child with permission from the Robinson family. "We ask that residents, particularly those living along Post Oak Creek and Choctaw Creek, remain alert for any fabric or personal belongings that may match these descriptions," Texas EquuSearch said in a social media post. The organization also urged the community to stay vigilant for any signs that could aid in the search. Family tragedy during floodwaters When the crash occurred, the child was with five family members, including her father, Will Robinson, a beloved high school coach from Durant, Oklahoma. He died heroically while attempting to save her. Four other family members, including a 5-year-old child, were rescued and have since been released from area hospitals, according to police. Founded in 2000 by Tim Miller after the tragic loss of his daughter, Texas EquuSearch operates solely on donations and provides services free of charge.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
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. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. '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
