Search continues for missing Oklahoma girl swept away in North Texas floodwaters
SHERMAN – Thursday marked Day 3 in the Texas search for an 8-year-old Oklahoma girl missing since she was swept away in raging waters on Christmas Eve. This followed a tragic incident on Tuesday when her family's SUV left the roadway, got caught in a drainage ditch near U.S. 75 and Taylor Street, and was carried away by strong currents.
The single-vehicle accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 24, trapping six occupants inside, according to the Sherman Police Department.
The girl's father, Will Robinson, a well-respected high school coach from Durant, Oklahoma, did not survive. Four other family members were rescued, police said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved state search and rescue teams to assist in finding the child.
On Wednesday, the search was expanded to areas outside of Sherman, including the lower branches of Post Oak and Choctaw creeks. By 2 p.m. on Wednesday, searchers had covered about 7 miles of creek without success. Efforts then shifted to the county, targeting new locations that had not yet been searched. The search continued until dark.
On Thursday, Sherman police resumed the search in conjunction with other local and state agencies, although authorities said the efforts were dampened by the severe weather conditions affecting the region.
"We will maintain observation posts at key areas throughout the inclement weather," Sherman police said on Facebook.
Meanwhile, the department said it is not currently in need of additional volunteers in the search or donations.
"We appreciate all the offers for assistance and are thankful for your concern and willingness to help. There are dozens of search teams already deployed, who possess vast experience in these types of operations. We are not in any need of further personnel or equipment."
Anyone with noteworthy information is urged to contact the Sherman Police Department's non-emergency phone number at (903) 892-7290.
