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Police say eight-year-old still missing after flood sweeps away six members of Durant family on Christmas Eve

Writer's picture: Dennis McCaslinDennis McCaslin

According to Sherman Police Chief, officers responded to an emergency call at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve, reporting a vehicle being swept away by flood waters.


Despite the challenging conditions, rescuers managed to save four out of the six occupants in the vehicle.


Among the survivors was a 5-year-old girl who was unresponsive at the scene but survived after life-saving measures were administered and she was taken to the hospital.


The crash tragically claimed the life of Clara Robinson's father, Will Robinson. Clara remains missing, and authorities have identified her as the 8-year-old still unaccounted for. The search efforts are ongoing, with police utilizing K9 teams, dive teams, and drones to locate the missing child.


The Robinson family was traveling from Durant, Oklahoma, to Sherman, Texas, at the time of the accident. Will Robinson, who was a coach at Durant Public Schools, was well-respected in the community.


The school district has released a statement expressing their commitment to supporting students during this difficult time. Counseling teams and other trained professionals will be available to assist students as they return to the classroom after the break.


As the search continues, police have issued warnings about fraudulent fundraising efforts. They urge the public to verify the authenticity of any donations being solicited in Clara's name to ensure they are legitimately aiding the family.


The four individuals who were rescued have since been discharged from the hospital and are now recovering at home. The 5-year-old girl has also returned home to be with her mother and siblings.


During the press conference, officials addressed questions about Will Robinson's actions during the incident. Reports indicate that he had been holding Clara in his arms at one point but was later seen separated from her.


Bart Bowman of Sherman Fire Rescue stated, "It looked like he was trying to save her, definitely."





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