The search for an 8-year-old girl who went missing in Texas after her family’s car was swept away by floodwaters following a Christmas Eve crash has come to an end.
Clara Robinson of Oklahoma disappeared on December 24, 2024, after her family’s car became stuck in a drainage ditch and traveled down a creek, according to the Sherman Police Department.
According to authorities, the department handed over ongoing search efforts to Texas EquuSearch in January, but the organization recently announced that they had 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 on Facebook on Monday, April 28.
The organization stated that even after ground search operations were completed 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.”
According to The Oklahoman, four of the six family members were rescued following the crash, but Clara’s father did not survive.
Police believe Will Robinson, a basketball coach at Durant High School, died while attempting to save Clara, according to Fox affiliate KDFW.
“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 a notice of funeral services.
According to CBS affiliate KXII, a joint memorial service for Will and Clara was held in January in the high school gymnasium.
As Texas EquuSearch announced the end of their search, the organization stated that local dive partners will continue to look for Clara independently — and that they are willing to revisit the search “should a new and viable plan or expert-supported strategy arise.”
The group then thanked Clara’s family, the Sherman Police Department, and other individuals, organizations, and supporters who “stood with us, searched alongside us, and lifted us up in prayer.”
They went on to say, “Clara remains in all of our hearts.”