California Floods: Family’s Tragic Struggle as 5-Year-Old Missing After SUV Swept Away

Lindsy Doan’s daily commute to school with her five-year-old son, Kyle, was a routine affair, having driven the same route countless times. But on Monday morning, the central California road she took turned deadly, engulfing her SUV in floodwaters. The unexpected danger was not apparent as she drove through the storm-ravaged area, which had been battered by a series of deadly storms. The region had suffered from flooding and strong winds, toppling trees and power lines, and killing at least 18 people.

As Lindsy navigated the road, her husband, Brian, recalled, “She was driving a 4,000lb SUV. It wasn’t until she was in the water she realized how different it was in 18 hours, and there was no signage to tell her not to take this road.” The water rose quickly, pushing the vehicle off the road and into trees. Lindsy instructed Kyle to take off his seatbelt and come through her door, but the waters and debris soon overwhelmed them, separating them.

Kyle, who loved dancing and watching Paw Patrol, was calm, telling his mother, “Don’t worry Mommy. It’s OK – everything will be all right.” But the fast-moving currents carried him away, and Lindsy was forced underwater, where she was later rescued with the help of a rope. Back on dry land, Kyle was nowhere to be found.

The family’s ordeal is just one of several heart-wrenching stories emerging from the devastating storms that have struck California. The floods have tested the state’s resources, and the search for Kyle has been carried out by law enforcement and national guard teams. The townspeople have been left reeling, unsure of when the water will recede, and when their communities will recover.

“I’m optimistic today maybe we’ll find him,” Brian said, his voice cracking with emotion. The family has been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received from the community and the efforts to find their son. “He’s a really good five-and-a-half-year-old,” Brian said, his voice breaking. Despite the odds, they hold on to hope that Kyle will be found, and they’ll be reunited in the days ahead.