[Update: Baby Oliver Recovered] Tragedy on the Trinity: Ongoing Search for Infant Swept Away in River Crash

In the early morning hours of May 1, tragedy struck along Highway 299 near Big Flat when a young couple’s vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the frigid, fast-moving waters of the Trinity River. As the car filled with water, the parents frantically tried to unbuckle their 9-month-old son, Oliver Evergreen Cox, from his car seat. In the chaos, Baby Oliver was swept away by the powerful current. The vehicle was later located submerged in the river, but Oliver was not inside. Contrary to news reports aired and published yesterday, Redheaded Blackbelt has confirmed with Oliver’s family that his body has not yet been recovered. Now, with the search hindered by dangerous currents and rugged terrain, a veteran diver has joined the desperate effort to bring him home.

Juan Heredia, a seasoned diver with more than 30 years of experience, arrived at the crash site within days to volunteer his services. Leading the nonprofit Angels Recovery Dive Team, Heredia specializes in finding missing persons in bodies of water across the West Coast. After locating the submerged vehicle using magnets, Heredia confirmed that Oliver was not inside the vehicle.

Although the Trinity River isn’t especially deep, its intense current poses a serious hazard for those attempting to locate the missing infant. The Trinity County Search and Rescue Team along with Heredia, have braved the cold, swift current, estimated at over 3,400 cubic feet per second. Heredia rejoins the efforts this morning. “The current was very strong, especially by [where] the car is… about 20 meters before the rapids,” he explained.

Undeterred, Heredia has adopted a methodical strategy—diving five-mile stretches of riverbank at a time, sweeping one side before returning along the opposite shore. Adding to that–the heartbreak of a life cut impossibly short. “This is going to be the smallest baby, so it’s not going to be easy,” Heredia said, speaking of the exhausting and emotionally taxing effort. Regardless of the toll, Heredia is determined to see this through. “I think it’s something I can give back to the community,” he said. “I have the skills to do it. I really want to bring closure to the families.”

Heredia’s mission is entirely volunteer driven. He began this work after recovering the body of a drowned child decades ago in his hometown. “In 30 minutes, I was able to locate the body,” he recalled. Since then, he has traveled from site to site, supporting grieving families and relying on donations to sustain his nonprofit. “At the beginning, I started doing this from my pocket, and I’m still doing it from my pocket, but everything is going to have a limit,” he said. Donations to the Angels Recovery Dive Team help cover costs like fuel, equipment, and ongoing training.

Now, Heredia is also calling on local support. “If somebody can come and let me know what the [river access points] are, [or if] somebody can follow me in a kayak or raft, that would be great,” he said. In a social media update posted around noon yesterday, he wrote, “Packing up to spend a few days searching for Baby Oliver in the Trinity River… Now it’s time to search the river itself.”

Meanwhile, Oliver’s family continues to pray for answers. A GoFundMe campaign launched by the infant’s aunt, Michelle HuskeyCuellar, is raising funds to support the grieving young parents. “Search and rescue and investigation are still ongoing. Thoughts and prayers are needed for this young family in a horrible, tragic time!”

Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Heredia remains focused on his mission. “I don’t look for a body… I’m looking to bring somebody, bring a son or daughter to a family,” he said.

 

Trinity County officials urge the public to stay alert and report any signs of debris or the missing child immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Those wishing to support Heredia’s work can contribute to the Angels Recovery Dive Team, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations can be made via their website. 

Locals that are able to provide information or support as Heredia searches for Baby Oliver are encouraged to contact him at [email protected] or by calling (209) 774-6661.

Earlier: [UPDATE 9:23 a.m.: 9-Month-Old Still Not Found] Infant Missing After Vehicle Plunges into Trinity River Early This Morning

Update: [Update: PR from TCSAR] BREAKING: Baby Oliver Has Been Found in Trinity River, Says Volunteer Diver Juan Heredia