Koah Sharpe Found Alive: 11-Month-Old Rescued from Buried Dog Crate in South Carolina
An 11-month-old boy named Koah Sharpe was found alive inside a buried dog crate in a wooded area near Batesburg-Leesville, Lexington County, South Carolina, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The rescue followed an extensive search after the infant disappeared while in his father’s care the previous day.
According to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, searchers discovered freshly disturbed soil and pine straw in the woods near the home of the child’s paternal grandfather. As they began digging, they heard Koah crying beneath the ground.
The infant was found inside a wire dog crate wrapped in a towel and buried under approximately a foot of soil. Authorities estimated that he had been underground for about 24 hours.
Koah was taken to hospital for treatment. Officials expressed hope for his recovery, although a detailed update on his medical condition was not immediately available.
Search Began After Father and Child Disappeared
Investigators said Koah was last in the care of his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer, on Monday, November 9.
The child’s mother had reportedly left him in his father’s care while running an errand. When another caregiver arrived, both Comer and the baby were missing.
Family members reported Koah missing, prompting a search involving nearly 100 public safety personnel.
Michael Comer Arrested
Comer was located late Monday night in an outbuilding in Batesburg and arrested on initial charges of burglary and resisting arrest. The infant was not with him when authorities took him into custody.
The search continued until Tuesday afternoon, when rescuers located Koah in the buried crate.
The sheriff’s office said investigators were working with prosecutors to determine whether additional charges should be filed in connection with the incident.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not publicly established a motive or released a detailed medical prognosis for Koah.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to provide further information as developments emerge.
The infant’s rescue has brought relief amid a deeply troubling investigation, while his family and the wider community await updates on his recovery.