Tragic Loss: Durant Coach Will Robinson & Family - Update
Can a familys Christmas Eve road trip, intended to bring joy, turn into a nightmare of unimaginable proportions? The tragic story of Will Robinson, a beloved coach in Durant, Oklahoma, and his family, reveals the fragility of life and the enduring power of community in the face of profound loss.
The events of Christmas Eve in 2023 cast a long shadow over Durant, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas. It began with a familys journey, a trip undertaken with the festive spirit of the holiday season. Will Robinson, 36, his wife, Kristen, and their four children were traveling in their Chevrolet Traverse on U.S. Highway 75, heading from Durant, Oklahoma, to McKinney, Texas, with the intent to see their family. The weather, however, had other plans. Heavy rain created treacherous conditions on the road, and as the family navigated the highway, their vehicle hydroplaned, a terrifying loss of control on the slick surface. The car veered off the road, plunging into a flooded drainage ditch. The force of the water swept the vehicle away, trapping the family inside.
The immediate aftermath was a desperate race against time. First responders arrived on the scene, battling the elements to rescue those caught in the churning waters. Four members of the Robinson family were pulled from the wreckage, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. However, the news that followed was heartbreaking: Will Robinson, the father, did not survive. The search for his daughter, Clara, also known as C.J., became a priority, drawing the community together in a vigil of hope and grief.
The tragic events unfolded near Sherman, Texas, close to the Oklahoma border. The area was battered by heavy rain, which undoubtedly contributed to the accident. The Sherman Police Department confirmed the crash involved the Robinson family, while the Durant Public Schools released a statement expressing their sorrow. The Durant Independent School District Superintendent, Mark Moring, also released a statement, reflecting the profound impact of the tragedy on the school community.
Will Robinson was more than just a name; he was a pillar of the Durant community. He was a coach at Durant High School, where he led the Lady Lions basketball team with passion and dedication since 2019. His impact extended beyond the court. He served as a liaison for the 2023 Owen Foundation basketball camp at Durant High School and actively participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and faith. He was widely respected by students, faculty, parents, and the wider community. Before his tenure at Durant Public Schools, Robinson had previously worked at Achille Public Schools.
The search for Clara continued for days, with searchers covering miles of creek in the area. Texas EquuSearch deployed foot searchers, combing the landscape for any sign of the missing girl. Community members and volunteers joined the effort, united by a shared sense of loss and a determination to bring closure to the family. The Durant community, deeply affected by the tragedy, rallied together to offer support and comfort. A joint memorial service was held at the Durant High School gymnasium on Saturday afternoon to honor Will and Clara Robinson. Durant Public Schools announced a memorial service would be held for Will and Clara Robinson on Saturday at the high school at 2 p.m.
The loss of Will Robinson has left a void in the lives of many. Kinlee Hill remembered Robinson bringing Clara, also known as C.J., to various events, highlighting the close-knit family dynamic. The Durant Public Schools, where Robinson was a coach, released a statement on Friday, expressing their condolences. A post on the Durant Public School's Facebook page included a letter from the superintendent, offering prayers to the Robinson family. Tributes poured in, a testament to the impact Robinson had on those around him. The KXII report mentioned that the Chevrolet Traverse contained a family of six travelling from Durant, Oklahoma.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The Robison family was traveling from Durant, Oklahoma to Sherman, Texas. The Durant girls basketball coach, Will Robinson, was remembered as a great coach & wonderful person. Will Robinson's passing has left a profound impact on the Durant community. On christmas eve, will and kristen robinson and their 4 children were involved in a terrible accident on their way to see their family.
The heavy rain in the area created very dangerous conditions. There was heavy rain in the area when their vehicle hydroplaned while on U.S. Highway 75 near Sherman, Texas, and crashed into a flooded drainage ditch. The circumstances of the accident, the search efforts, and the community's response underscore the enduring impact of tragedy and the importance of unity in times of sorrow. The events will forever be etched in the collective memory of Durant, a constant reminder of the love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The story of Will Robinson and his family is a poignant example of the fragility of life. Its a reminder to cherish the moments we have and to reach out to those in need, particularly during times of grief. The community's response serves as a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
| Full Name | Will Robinson |
| Age | 36 (at the time of death) |
| Occupation | High School Basketball Coach |
| School | Durant High School, Oklahoma |
| Teams Coached | Durant Lady Lions Basketball Team (since 2019) |
| Family | Wife: Kristen Robinson Children: 4 (Clara/C.J. missing) |
| Community Involvement | Liaison for 2023 Owen Foundation Basketball Camp, Active leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) |
| Previous Employment | Achille Public Schools |
| Date of Death | December 24, 2023 (Christmas Eve) |
| Cause of Death | Car accident in flooded drainage ditch due to heavy rain and hydroplaning on U.S. Highway 75 near Sherman, Texas |
| Memorial Service | Joint memorial service held on Saturday afternoon at Durant High School gymnasium. |
| Place of Residence | Durant, Oklahoma |
| Reference | KXII News Report |
