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Brian Doan: Devastated father of Kyle, 5, washed away by California floods recalls final moments with son

Brian Doan expressed his sadness that Kyle, who recently needed 3 surgeries to mend a fractured femur, is probably never going to play soccer again

SAN MARCOS CREEK, CALIFORNIA: Father of the 5-year-old boy, Kyle Doan, who was swept away by floodwaters in California, recalls waving to his son as he climbed into an SUV with his mother on Monday, January 9, morning to head to his first day of kindergarten since the family's holiday break. Tragic events occurred not long after that lovely farewell. As Brain Doan was sending his daughter off to school, he received a call that no parent ever wants to receive, "Kyle is gone," his wife cried into the phone, clearly distraught.

When fast-rising floodwaters in San Miguel, California, swamped their car on the way to school, Kyle was swept away. His mother, Lindsy Doan, was able to flee with the assistance of a few kind people, but Brian claimed that as they attempted to reach safety, the swiftly flowing stream washed her son out of her arms. Kyle hasn't been seen since, despite an extensive search, as reported by The Daily Beast.

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“When they said they lost Kyle, I just thought, ‘oh, God, this can’t be real,’” Brian told The Daily Beast on Wednesday, January 11, in a breaking voice. “But quickly you realize you have to act, so I started making calls.” Since Kyle has been missing for more than 48 hours, Brian admits it is improbable that his son will be recovered alive. He believes his family desperately wants closure but he still has hope. “Right now we’re just wishing for some closure, just some news to get us out of this horrible waiting game,” Brian said. “I know the next point and it’s not something you look forward to, but we have to get through it.” Brian expressed his sadness that Kyle, who recently needed three surgeries and a metal rod to mend a fractured femur, is probably never going to play soccer again, as he had hoped to do since suffering the injury on a preschool playground in 2021. “He was very adaptable with the recovery,” Brian said. “He’d just got back into running, playing soccer, and just being a kid again. He waited and worked so long for that.”

Brian mentioned that Kyle was eager to get back to school and see his buddies when they had breakfast together early on Monday. His wife, who teaches special education at Kyle's school, and he, a substitute teacher at a middle school, were also returning for the first time that day. “He was motivated and happy to get back to his friends,” Brian said. “I told him to finish up his breakfast and to have a good day at school. He was a bright kid, very outgoing and smart. He was ready to get back to learning.” Brian further mentioned said that Monday, January 9, was the first day back at school for their family, and things were a little behind schedule. He claimed that because of the rush, he neglected to bid Kyle farewell with the usual hug. 

The Doans had traveled on the same route where Kyle had been washed away just hours before on Sunday, January 8, afternoon. Brian noted some mud sliding on the road, which is surrounded on both sides by creeks, but that had been the norm this January as California has been hammered by severe rains. Brian said there was nothing that indicated water may take over the road hours later, and there had been no warnings or obstacles in place until after Kyle went missing at 7:15 am on Monday, January 9.

Meanwhile, Lindsy's Chevrolet Traverse was discovered hours later, tipped upside down and loaded with debris, according to Brian. He believes his family would be dealing with two missing people if Lindsy had not attempted to flee the vehicle at the time she did. Brian expressed frustration with the online disinformation about the incident and his wife's conduct. He claims Lindsy tried everything she could to save their kid, who was strapped into a car seat when the water took over the SUV, and that she has often expressed her wish that the flood had carried her away instead of Kyle. “She feels it’s not fair she was closer to the edge but she’s who survived,” Brian said. “It’s just an unfortunate series of events you wouldn’t wish upon anybody.”

On Monday, January 9, morning, a search for Kyle was conducted by Cal Fire, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, San Luis Obispo County Search and Rescue, and the California Highway Patrol for almost four hours when it was suspended due to poor weather. In their search for Kyle, the authorities have employed helicopters, underwater search teams, and drones.

The hundreds of people who have taken the time to look for his son, according to Brian, have overwhelmed him. However, he cautioned that they should only do it in secure areas. However, the Doan family was already going through a difficult time when Kyle vanished; only last week, his wife's grandfather died, and they are still grieving.