“HE’S ALIVE!” — 11-MONTH-OLD KOAH SHARP FOUND BURIED ALIVE IN DOG CRATE, NOW BACK HOME WITH HIS FAMILY
An 11-month-old baby who was found buried alive inside a dog crate in South Carolina has been released from hospital and is now safely back home with his family.
Little Koah Sharp survived an ordeal that authorities described as extraordinary. He was discovered beneath the ground, crying, after an extensive search that lasted nearly 24 hours.
His rescue has brought enormous relief to relatives and those who had been desperately searching for him.
A desperate search for a missing baby
Koah was reported missing on November 9, 2026, after his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer, allegedly left with the infant while he was supposed to be caring for him.
According to investigators, Koah had been staying with his paternal grandmother, Patricia Comer. She left to run an errand, and another caregiver was expected to arrive.
But when that caregiver arrived, both Michael and the baby were gone.
Concern quickly grew. Authorities were told that Michael had previously made comments about taking Koah out of state.
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department launched a major search involving more than 100 law enforcement officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel.
Michael was arrested later that evening, but investigators said he did not reveal where the baby was.
Rescuers heard a tiny cry beneath the dirt
The breakthrough came on November 10, when searchers noticed an area of freshly disturbed soil in a wooded area near the home of Michael’s father in Lexington County.
As officers began digging, they heard something that changed everything.
A baby was crying beneath the ground.
Rescuers rushed to uncover the spot and discovered Koah inside a wire dog crate, wrapped in a towel and buried approximately one foot below the surface.
Sheriff Jay Koon described the infant as being “clinging to life.”
The search quickly turned into a race to get him out and into medical care.
Authorities believe the towel may have helped create an air pocket inside the crate, while the chilly outdoor temperatures may also have helped keep him alive.
Released from hospital and reunited with family
Koah was rushed to a local hospital, where medical staff examined and treated him.
In an extraordinary turn of events, he was released later that same evening.
His medical team said he was expected to make a full recovery.
By November 13, reports confirmed that the little boy was back home with his family. Relatives have shared updates and photographs as they begin to recover from the frightening experience.
For the people who spent hours searching for him, the news that Koah was alive and safely home brought an overwhelming sense of relief.
His father faces attempted murder charges
Michael Comer has been charged with attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child and custodial interference, in addition to earlier burglary and other charges.
He was denied bond following his court appearance and remains in custody.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the incident. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system.
A fundraising campaign has also been created to help Koah’s mother with medical expenses.
A little boy given another chance
The discovery of Koah beneath the ground could have ended in unimaginable tᩚraɢedy.
Instead, rescuers heard his cries, found him in time and brought him to safety.
At just 11 months old, Koah has already survived an experience no child should ever face.
Now, he is home with his family — with the chance to grow, play, laugh and experience the childhood he deserves.
For those who followed the search, one thing matters most: Koah is alive, and he is finally safe.
