Tragedy struck on Christmas Eve when Will Robinson, a high school basketball coach and father of four from Durant, Oklahoma, lost his life, and his 8-year-old daughter went missing after raging floodwaters in Sherman, Texas, swept away their family vehicle. The family’s SUV was caught in a drainage ditch overwhelmed by heavy rain, leading to a heartbreaking series of events.

The Robinson family, traveling together in their SUV, found themselves trapped as powerful currents overtook their vehicle. Despite the heroic efforts of rescuers, Will Robinson did not survive, and four family members were saved. However, the family’s 8-year-old daughter remains missing, prompting a desperate, multi-agency search that continues to unfold.

The tragedy began when the Robinson family’s vehicle left the roadway early Tuesday morning, entering a drainage ditch that was already overflowing due to a downpour. According to Lieutenant Samuel Boyle of the Sherman Police Department, the strong flood currents carried the vehicle downstream, leaving the family trapped inside.

“It’s a tragedy, it really is,” Lt. Boyle said, emphasizing the devastating nature of the accident. “The combination of heavy rain and rising floodwaters made the situation unbearable.”

Search efforts have intensified, with a 15-mile stretch of the creek downstream targeted by rescue teams. Despite covering seven miles of the creek by Wednesday, the search for the missing girl continues into its third day.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized state resources to aid in the search for the missing child. Agencies, including Texas Task Force 2 and local law enforcement, have deployed specialized search teams, canines, and watercraft to assist in the challenging conditions.

“In crises like these, we are blessed to serve a community that so badly wants to help,” Sherman Police stated in a release. “We have dozens of first responders involved, many with extensive training in hazardous conditions.”

However, the situation has weighed heavily on the Robinson family and the Durant community. “Will was one of the good ones—a devoted husband and father, a beloved basketball coach, and just a great person,” a family member shared in a heartfelt social media post. “This is just devastating, and happening on Christmas Eve makes it unbearable.”

The tragedy has also served as a grim reminder of the dangers of driving through floodwaters. Authorities urged drivers to avoid standing water on roads, emphasizing that vehicles are not equipped to handle such conditions.

“My recommendation is don’t try and drive through significant standing water,” Boyle cautioned. “You never know how deep it is, and once you lose control, you are at the mercy of the water.”

The Robinson family’s loss is immeasurable, and the search for their youngest member remains ongoing. As the community grieves and prays for answers, they hold fast to their faith during this dark hour.

A Prayer For the Robinson Family

Heavenly Father,

We lift up the Robinson family to You in their time of unspeakable grief. Lord, we ask for Your comfort to surround them, for Your strength to sustain them, and for Your peace to fill their hearts. We pray for the safe return of their missing daughter and for wisdom and perseverance for the search teams. Lord, hold this family in Your loving arms and remind them that You are with them, even in the midst of this storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The search continues, fueled by hope, faith, and the unwavering commitment of first responders and the community. Let us all keep the Robinson family in our prayers during this heartbreaking time.