2-year-old boy found dead after being swept away by flood waters in Barstow, officials say
BARSTOW, Calif. (KABC) -- A 2-year-old boy who was swept away by flood waters in the Barstow area has been found dead, officials announced Friday afternoon.
"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 of Barstow said in a statement. "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."
The boy's family says Xavier Padilla Aguilera was swept away around 6:30 p.m. Thursday along Main Street while in the car with his father, 26-year-old Brandon Padilla Aguilera.
"He's devastated," said Carolyn Tackett, the boy's grandmother, referring to Xavier's father. "We're all devastated.
"Yesterday we had a funeral for my mom," Tackett said in an interview before the boy was found dead. "My son drove home with my grandson. I guess the road was -- something happened in the road. All I know is that my son's car ended up -- the bumper's down here, near the bridge.
"Due to the circumstances surrounding this call for service," the Barstow Police Department said in a statement, the additional agencies involved in the response included: the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Police, California Highway Patrol, city of Barstow Public Works, The Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Fire and Emergency Services Department, Desert Ambulance, and the county fire department's Swift Water Rescue Team.
"In a short amount of time numerous volunteers from the Desert Recovery Group and additional citizen volunteers assisted in searching for the subjects and vehicle," the news release said.
Tackett said her son "got out the car, tried to get out the car -- he doesn't know how to swim. He got my grandson out. My son went under. Now my grandson's missing."
As police officers and firefighters were responding to the scene, "it was reported that the occupants had been separated from the vehicle and were continuing to travel north with the floodwaters," according to Barstow police. "Brandon Aguilera was located on an island that had been created by the floodwaters."
He was rescued by Barstow firefighters and taken to the hospital, and has since been released.
"His vitals were unstable, his temperature wasn't stable," Xavier's aunt, Leanna, told ABC7, referring to the boy's father. "He had water in his lungs. He had cuts and bruises all over his legs."
Tackett said her son was "completely swollen. He has an infection from the water, and I'm just going to keep him in prayers."
Leanna said police suspended the official search until daylight Friday morning. Shortly before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Barstow police confirmed the search was ongoing.
Volunteers helped the family search for the toddler.
"I don't even like Barstow but today I love Barstow," Tackett said earlier in the day. "Because everybody's that's out here right now is all from Barstow, trying to help me look for my grandson. They've been out here all night."
The city of Barstow said it will continue to monitor weather conditions and urges residents to be careful around flooded areas and follow emergency advisories.
