A 2-year-old boy who disappeared Thursday in floodwaters during a rainstorm has been found dead after an hours-long search, authorities said Friday.
Xavier Aguilera was riding with his father, 26-year-old Brandon Aguilera, when their vehicle was swept off the road by a powerful surge of water at about 7 p.m. near West Main Street, just of Lenwood Road, in the San Bernardino County community. Heavy rain and flooding were reported throughout the area in the Mojave Desert about 115 miles northeast of Los Angeles due to the remnants of a late-summer storm.
The vehicle ended up in a wash north of West Main Street.
Several agencies and volunteers joined the search for the father and son after they became separated from the vehicle. Brandon Aguilera was found on a island created by the rising water and rescued by Barstow Fire Department members. He was treated and released at a hospital.
The search continued Friday for Xavier before the city of Barstow said in a news release that the child was found dead after about 20 hours of searching. About 150 people were searching for the child, according to police.
The child was found in the San Bernardino Flood Control Channel south of the Mojave River.
“It is with profound sadness that the City confirms the discovery of a young child who lost their life in the recent flooding incident on Main Street at Lenwood Road,” the city said. “After more than 20 hours of extensive search and rescue operations, emergency responders located the child’s body this afternoon. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy.”