After an extensive six-day search in the Destin East Pass and surrounding Gulf waters, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will be concluding active search operations for 10-year-old Trinity Eslinger at the end of the day today. While we will never stop hoping to bring Trinity home, we are now beginning the process of scaling back dedicated resources. Deputies will continue to patrol the area as part of regular operations.

Trinity was last seen in the water around 7:30 p.m. near the Destin East Pass on Thursday, June 12th. Since then, multiple state and local agencies, along with volunteer organizations, have worked tirelessly in a coordinated search effort by air, sea, and land. Despite those efforts, Trinity has not yet been located.

“Our hearts are heavy, and this is not the outcome anyone hoped for,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “We are deeply grateful to every agency, volunteer, and community member who gave their all in this search. Our thoughts and prayers are with Trinity’s family during this unimaginable time.”

Although active operations are concluding, the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to supporting Trinity’s family and will continue to respond to any new information that becomes available.

It is our sincere and heartfelt hope that Trinity is found and returned to her loved ones. We know this continues to be an incredibly difficult time for her family and the entire community. Please keep Trinity and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are profoundly thankful to all the agencies and volunteers who supported the search. The operation spanned approximately 250 square miles—covering the south end of Choctawhatchee Bay, the East Pass, and stretching miles into the Gulf. Assets included marine vessels, aerial resources, dive teams, and ground crews working in unified coordination. More than forty dives were conducted over the course of the search.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the following organizations for their contributions:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
• United States Coast Guard (USCG)
• Eglin Air Force Base
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
• Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
• Alabama Florida Helicopter Patrol
• Destin Fire Department
• North Bay Fire Department
• United Cajun Navy

###