An overnight search for a 2-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwater amid a heavy storm in Barstow on Thursday evening came to a tragic end Friday with the discovery of the child’s body, authorities said.

Xavier Padilla Aguilera, 2, and his father, 26-year-old Brandon Padilla Aguilera, went missing when their car was overcome by rushing water about 7:15 p.m. at Main Street and Lenwood Road, amid a heavy tropical storm that pounded the High Desert, according to the Barstow Police Department.

The father and son became separated from their car and from one another as it was swept to the north, leading to a massive search effort, officials said.

Rescuers found Brandon Aguilera clinging to a small island in the floodwater a short time later, police said. He was treated at a hospital and released.

Officials and residents searched the area through the night looking for Xavier.

Storm batters High Desert

Manwhile, Thursday’s storm flooded streets, roads and washes in Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Lucerne Valley and other parts of the Mojave Desert.

On Friday afternoon, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials issued an evacuation warning for the communities of Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and the Oak Glen area from Pendleton Road east to Glen Road (north and south) due to the potential for mud and debris flows from the approaching storm.

An updated map of evacuation areas can be accessed online at https://sbcounty.maps.arcgis.com.

Child’s Body Recovered

Barstow city officials announced on Friday that the boy’s body had been recovered.

“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,” city officials said in a written 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,” the statement said. “We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy.”

A massive search effort

A massive search and rescue effort involving both authorities and volunteers sprung into action as word the missing toddler spread on Thursday night.

Just after sunset, Alfredo Renteria recorded a video of rushing flood waters sweeping a white car away near Main Street and Lenwood Road, near the Mojave River. The brake lights of the vehicle appeared to illuminate just as the car disappeared into the water.

Helicopters from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol could soon be seen flying over the Mojave River near Highway 58.

Numerous volunteers from the Desert Recovery Group and other citizen volunteers joined in the effort.

“We want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our Barstow Police, Barstow Fire Protection District, San Bernardino County Sheriffs’ Department, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Police, California Highway Patrol, City of Barstow Public Works, MCLB Fire, Desert Ambulance, and San Bernardino County Fire’s Swift Water Rescue Team search and rescue teams and emergency responders, and volunteers who worked around the clock in challenging conditions,” according to the city statement. “Their dedication and professionalism during this operation exemplify the best of our community’s spirit.”

Highway 247 Closed

State Route 247 was closed at Veterans Parkway and Northside Road due to active roadway flooding and debris, according to the California Highway Patrol Barstow Office.

Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area until further notice. Emergency crews are in the area actively working on the situation.

Mountain Flooding

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, in unified command with CAL FIRE, responded to mud and debris flows, which left several roads impassable and impacted homes in Forest Falls, Oak Glen and Potato Canyon, south of Big Bear.

On Thursday night, crews remained active in the area as Valley of the Falls Drive was currently blocked at Highway 38, with additional road blockages between Highway 38 and the top of Forest Falls.

Damage assessment teams will be in the field at first light tomorrow to evaluate structures and determine the extent of property loss, fire officials said.

There were no reports of injuries or missing persons connected to the incident in the mountain communities, however, authorities responded to a report of people stranded in vehicles, according to the fire department.

A group of approximately 10 people traveling in six to seven vehicles were stranded on Highway 38, in the area of Jenks Lake.

Though cut off by debris in both directions, the group made it to safety and their needs were being evaluated by emergency crews, officials said. Caltrans was also working to clear the roadway and restore access.

County fire officials asked the public to avoid the affected areas and stay tuned for further updates.

The National Weather Service reported a chance of thunderstorms in San Bernardino County on Friday, especially over the San Bernardino Mountains and the High Desert.

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Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Child swept away by storm floodwater in Barstow found dead; evacuation warnings issued
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz and Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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