2-year-old boy found dead after being swept away in California flash flood
A 2-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters Thursday evening in Barstow, California, was found dead Friday afternoon, authorities said.
The body of Xavier Padilla Aguilera was discovered around 2:44 p.m. PT in the San Bernardino County Flood Control channel south of the Mojave River, according to Barstow Police.
"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," police said in a statement.
The boy and his father, Brandon Padilla Aguilera, 26, became separated from their vehicle as flood waters carried them northward, police said. The father was later rescued and taken to Barstow Community Hospital, where he was treated and released.
The boy, who his family told ABC News' Los Angeles station KABC-TV has autism and is nonverbal, was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, and black and white Nike shoes.
The incident occurred during a day of severe weather that brought powerful thunderstorms to Southern California. In Oak Glen, dramatic video obtained by ABC News showed a massive mudslide cascading down a hillside, destroying everything in its path.
A massive multi-agency response was launched, including teams from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Police, California Highway Patrol, and San Bernardino County Fire's Swift Water Rescue Team. Local volunteers from the Desert Recovery Group and community members joined the search effort, according to authorities.
Barstow Police said counseling services and community support resources are available through their department for those affected by this tragedy.
The Barstow Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office are continuing their investigation into the incident.
