10-year-old Trinity Eslinger of Arkansas went missing on June 12, 2025, while swimming in the waters off Destin, Florida. She was last seen around 7:30 p.m. between Osteen Beach and Norriego Point, an area known for strong tides and dangerous currents. Trinity had been vacationing with her family when she was swept away, and her mother reportedly tried desperately to save her.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office immediately issued an Aqua Alert and launched a large-scale search operation. Over the following days, multiple agencies joined the effort, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States Coast Guard, Eglin Air Force Base, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Search teams deployed marine vessels, aerial units, dive teams, drones, and beach patrols to comb approximately 250 square miles of coastline and surrounding waters. More than 40 dives were conducted, and volunteers from Alabama Search and Rescue also participated.
Despite the extensive efforts, Trinity remained missing. On June 17, the United Cajun Navy organized a community search, drawing volunteers from across Florida and neighboring states. About 10 boats and dozens of people, including Trinity’s family, joined the mission to bring her home. Her grandmother publicly thanked the Destin community and urged anyone with water experience to assist in the ongoing search.
By June 18, after six days of exhaustive searching, officials announced they would begin scaling back active operations. While regular patrols would continue, the coordinated search was officially concluded due to lack of results. Sheriff Eric Aden expressed deep sorrow over the outcome and gratitude to all who participated, emphasizing the emotional toll the case had taken on responders and the community. Trinity’s family, supported by a GoFundMe campaign, continues to hope for closure.
Last Seen: Jun 12, 2025
