Will Robinson, a beloved teacher, coach, and Christian faith leader at Durant Public Schools in Oklahoma, tragically passed away in a single-vehicle accident on Christmas Eve, December 24th, around 9:30 a.m. in Sherman, Texas.
The accident involved a White Chevrolet Traverse carrying Robinson, his wife, and their four children. The vehicle veered off U.S.-75 near Taylor Street, landing in a drainage ditch where it was swept further by rapidly rising waters along the U.S.-75 service road until it stopped near Houston Street.
Rescue efforts were hampered by heavy rainfall, with authorities managing to extricate four individuals from the vehicle. However, Will Robinson and one of his daughters were carried away by the floodwaters. While Robinson’s body was later recovered, the search for his daughter continued without success at the time of this report.
Although official confirmation of the identities was pending, the Durant community has been quick to mourn and honor Will Robinson. He was appointed coach of the Durant Lady Lions basketball team in 2019, having previously coached at Achille High School and S & S Consolidated in Sadler, Texas. A former basketball player and graduate of Durant and Southeastern, Robinson was celebrated for his leadership both on and off the court.
Tributes poured in, reflecting his impact as both an educator and a spiritual leader. Fasiri Ellison shared, ” Rest in Heaven lil Bro… this one is also painful, hard to understand or even stomach. Encouraged to see so many people honoring your Legacy and the type of young man you were. A Christian Coach and not just a coach who happened to be a Christian. Well Done Sir. Thank you for leading Durant FCA well and encouraging others in Faith.”
Another tribute read, “Coach Will Robinson. They called you coach! What a fitting term for a selfless human. You watched one all of your life. You understood what it took to be an influence on the lives of others. You took up that mantle and lived it well…Thank You for living well.”
The community also rallied in prayer for Robinson’s missing daughter, hoping for her safe return. As of the latest updates, she had not yet been found.