11-MONTH-OLD BABY FOUND ALIVE AFTER 24 HOURS BURIED UNDERGROUND IN A DOG CRATE — FATHER CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER

He was only 11 months old. Trapped underground inside a buried dog crate for nearly an entire day, little Koah Sharp somehow survived. When rescuers finally heard his cries beneath the dirt, they raced against time to bring him back into the arms of his family.

An unimaginable tᩚraɢedy has turned into a story of survival in Lexington County, South Carolina, after an 11-month-old baby boy was found alive after spending approximately 24 hours buried underground.

The infant, identified as Koah Sharp, had disappeared on Monday, November 9, 2026, after being left in the care of his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer.

According to investigators, the child’s paternal grandmother had been looking after him when she left to run an errand. Michael was left caring for the baby while another caregiver was expected to arrive.

But when that caregiver showed up, both Michael and Koah were gone.

What followed was an increasingly desperate search that would eventually lead investigators to one of the most disturbing discoveries of their careers.

A BABY DISAPPEARS — AND HIS FATHER IS FOUND WITHOUT HIM

After family members reported Koah missing, deputies began investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Authorities eventually located Michael Comer late Monday night in an outbuilding in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

He was arrested, initially on a burglary charge, but there was one major problem: Koah was nowhere to be found.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and traced the father’s movements across several locations in Lexington County.

According to Sheriff Jay Koon, authorities became increasingly concerned as they could not establish where the infant had been taken.

The search continued through the night and into Tuesday morning.

More than 100 law enforcement officers and public safety personnel, representing multiple agencies, joined the operation.

Every passing hour made finding the missing baby more urgent.

THE TERRIFYING DISCOVERY BENEATH THE GROUND

The breakthrough came Tuesday afternoon, November 10.

While searching wooded property near the home of Michael’s father, investigators noticed something unusual.

A patch of pine straw appeared disturbed, and the soil beneath it looked freshly turned.

The area was approximately 50 yards from the grandfather’s home.

Searchers began examining the ground more closely.

Then, as they started digging, they heard something that changed everything.

A baby was crying beneath the dirt.

It was Koah.

Investigators discovered the 11-month-old inside a wire dog crate that had been wrapped in a towel and buried beneath approximately a foot of soil.

According to Sheriff Koon, the baby had likely been underground for around 24 hours.

The sheriff described the sound of the infant crying as one of the most joyful sounds rescuers could have heard.

Everyone immediately rushed to uncover him.

When Koah was finally pulled from the ground, he was alive.

The little boy was rushed to the hospital for emergency medical evaluation.

HOW DID LITTLE KOAH SURVIVE?

Investigators believe several extraordinary circumstances may have helped save the baby’s life.

The wire crate had been wrapped in a towel, which Sheriff Koon suggested may have created a small pocket of air inside the enclosure.

Cool outdoor temperatures may also have helped protect the infant from some of the dangers associated with being trapped underground.

Although authorities have not established every detail of how Koah survived, his discovery alive was an extraordinary outcome.

His grandfather, John Comer, later described the overwhelming emotions of witnessing the rescue.

Speaking to the Associated Press, he recalled seeing his grandson emerge from the ground and being overcome with relief.

He raised his hands toward the sky, praised God and broke down in tears.

For the family, the moment represented the difference between losing a child and getting another chance to hold him.

A MIRACLE UPDATE: KOAH HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL

There was more encouraging news shortly after the rescue.

Koah was released from the hospital on Tuesday night, November 10, according to authorities.

Medical professionals reportedly expected him to make a full recovery.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department later described the baby as alive and well and confirmed that he was back with family members.

Although the ordeal was extremely frightening, the medical update brought enormous relief to everyone following the case.

A new photograph shared publicly also showed visible abrasions on the baby’s forehead, a reminder of the frightening experience he had endured.

His recovery will remain important as his family helps him move forward from the incident.

HIS FATHER NOW FACES SERIOUS CRIMINAL CHARGES

Meanwhile, the investigation has taken a significant turn.

Michael Comer, 25, is accused of taking his infant son and burying him inside the dog crate.

Authorities have charged him with attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary.

According to the Associated Press, a magistrate denied him bond on November 12.

Investigators have not publicly established a motive for the alleged actions.

Court records also show that Comer had recently been placed on probation following a guilty plea involving domestic violence and other charges.

He remains in custody as the criminal proceedings continue. The allegations against him have not yet been tested at trial.

A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE

For Koah’s family, the most important news is that the little boy is alive.

His grandfather has spoken about the emotional experience of seeing him rescued, while relatives are now able to focus on his recovery and safety.

At just 11 months old, Koah has already survived an ordeal no child should ever have to experience.

There are still difficult questions surrounding what happened, and the investigation and legal proceedings will continue.

But one thing is certain: the cries that rescuers heard beneath the ground on November 10 became the sound his family will never forget.

A tiny voice beneath the dirt. A desperate search. A family waiting for answers. And a baby who came home alive.

Please keep little Koah in your thoughts and prayers as he continues his recovery.

May he grow up surrounded by kindness, love and the protection every child deserves. ❤️🙏