Date: November 11, 2026
By Stephen Iwuh | Dalena Reporters
An 11-month-old baby boy has been rescued after being buried alive inside a dog crate in a wooded area of South Carolina, United States, following an extensive search involving nearly 100 police officers, firefighters and emergency responders.
The infant, identified as Koah Sharpe, was discovered on Tuesday, November 10, after authorities received reports that he had disappeared while under the care of his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer.
According to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, the child was found inside a wire dog crate wrapped in a towel and buried beneath freshly disturbed soil in a wooded area near the home of his paternal grandfather.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said the baby had apparently spent approximately 24 hours underground before rescuers located him.
During a news conference, the sheriff described the infant as being in a critical condition when officers discovered him, saying he was alive, crying and clinging to life.
The discovery came after search teams noticed an area of freshly disturbed earth approximately 50 yards from the grandfather's property. As officers began probing and digging into the ground, they heard the baby's cries.
Rescuers immediately rushed to uncover the crate and remove the child, who was subsequently transported to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Authorities later confirmed that Koah had been released from hospital and was reunited with family members. Medical personnel reportedly expected him to make a full recovery.
Father Arrested After Baby Disappeared
Investigators said Koah was under the supervision of his paternal grandmother, Patricia Comer, on Monday when his father arrived at the residence.
The grandmother reportedly left to run an errand, leaving the baby in his father's care while another caregiver was expected to arrive shortly afterward.
However, when the scheduled caregiver reached the home, both Michael Comer and the infant were missing.
The disappearance immediately raised concerns, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and search operation.
Deputies subsequently visited a property associated with Comer's father, where they reportedly found open doors and some of the baby's belongings but no sign of the child or his father.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from businesses in the surrounding area, which reportedly showed Comer at several locations without the infant.
Comer was eventually located late Monday night hiding inside an outbuilding at a property in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.
He was arrested, but the baby was not found with him.
Authorities continued searching through the night and into Tuesday, with almost 100 law enforcement officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel participating in the operation.
The search eventually led investigators to the wooded area where the baby had been buried.
Towel May Have Helped Baby Survive Underground
Sheriff Koon said the dog crate was wrapped in a towel, which investigators believe may have created an air pocket that allowed the infant to breathe while buried.
The crate was reportedly shallowly buried beneath approximately one foot of soil.
Authorities believe the towel may have played a crucial role in keeping the child alive during the estimated 24 hours he spent underground.
The sheriff described hearing the infant crying as rescuers uncovered the crate as an extraordinary moment after hours of uncertainty and concern.
The child's survival has drawn widespread attention across the United States, with authorities and members of the public expressing relief that the search ended without a fatal outcome.
Father Faces Multiple Criminal Charges
Michael Comer is facing several criminal charges in connection with the incident.
According to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department and subsequent reports, the charges include attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary.
He was initially arrested on burglary-related allegations after being located in the outbuilding.
Court records cited by the Associated Press also indicate that Comer had been sentenced to probation in October after pleading guilty to domestic violence and aggravated breach-of-peace charges arising from an earlier incident in July. Prosecutors reportedly dropped a firearm-related charge as part of the plea agreement.
Authorities have not publicly established a complete explanation for why the infant was allegedly taken and buried.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Comer have not been determined in court.
Family Expresses Relief as Baby Survives
The rescue has brought enormous relief to Koah's relatives, who feared the worst during the search.
The baby's grandmother, Patricia Comer, reportedly told NBC News that the child's mother has full custody, although she allowed the grandmother to supervise him on weekends.
She expressed shock over the incident, saying she had not believed her son was capable of harming the baby.
The infant's great-aunt, Amber Hammond, who was present during the rescue, also expressed relief that the child had been found alive.
The sheriff's department thanked the emergency responders and members of the community who participated in the search, emphasizing the importance of the coordinated operation in locating the missing infant.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby's disappearance, the alleged burial and the events leading to his father's arrest.
The case has raised serious concerns about child safety, family violence and the importance of responding quickly when an infant disappears under suspicious circumstances.
For investigators, the immediate priority was locating Koah before it was too late. The discovery of freshly disturbed soil and the decision to investigate the area ultimately led rescuers to the buried crate.
Although the baby is now safe and expected to recover, the criminal investigation will determine what happened and establish responsibility for the disturbing incident.
The case remains one of the most shocking child-rescue stories reported in the United States this week.