A tropical storm that unleashed torrential rains which resulted in flooded streets, roads and washes in Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Lucerne Valley and other areas throughout the Mojave Desert on Thursday September 18 claimed the life a two-year child when he and his father were swept away from their swamped vehicle by a powerful cascade of floodwater in Barstow.
On September 18, 2025, at approximately 7:14 PM, the Barstow Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of West Main Street, west of Lenwood Road regarding a vehicle that had been propelled off the roadway by floodwaters. The vehicle was thrust into a wash north of West Main Street.
According to an informational briefing provided by the City of Barstow, “As police and fire were responding, it was reported that the occupants had been separated from the vehicle and were continuing to travel north with the floodwaters. The occupants of the vehicle were identified as Brandon Padilla Aguilera, age 26, and his son, Xavier Padilla Aguilera, age 2. Brandon and Xavier were separated as they were being swept away by the floodwaters.”
According to the city, “Brandon Aguilera was located on an island that had been created by the floodwaters. Brandon Aguilera was rescued by Barstow Fire Department personnel, taken to Barstow Community Hospital and later released.”
As the heavy storm in Barstow continued into late Thursday night and into the early morning today, an overnight search for the 2-year-old continued into the daylight hours, for more than 19 hours. 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, the Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base Fire Department, Desert Ambulance, and San Bernardino County Fire’s Swift Water Rescue Team search and rescue teams and emergency response team members and other volunteers participated in the effort.
“Xavier Aguilera was located, deceased, today at approximately 2:44pm in the San Bernardino County Flood Control channel south of the Mojave River,” according to the city’s statement. “It is with profound sadness that the city confirms the discovery of a young child… lost… in the recent flooding incident. [E]mergency responders located the child’s body this afternoon. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected. We ask that the privacy of the grieving family be respected as they navigate this devastating loss. Our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected.”
The deluge proved unrelenting and the storm intensified over the San Bernardino Mountains and on their southern slope, creating the potential for mud and debris flows. On Highway 38, at least seven vehicles in the environs of Jenks Lake were left immobile and stranded, requiring intervention by authorities.