We all remember Devonte Hart the young boy who captured our hearts back in 2014 when a viral photo of him hugging a police officer as tears streamed down his cheek during protests in Portland, Oregon, over Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, and a grand jury’s failure to indict the officer who shot him. Devonte was carrying a sign at the demonstration that said “free hugs,” prompting the Portland police officer to ask him if he would “get one of those.” When freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen captured the image.
Devonte has been reported missing after several members of his family died in a horrific car crash. Five people have been confirmed dead after the SUV they were in went off a cliff near Mendocino in Northern California, on Monday according to ABC News.
Hart’s parents Jennifer and Sarah Hart, and three of his siblings died in the crash. Search and rescue teams continue to look for Devonte who is now 15, and his siblings, 16-year-old Hannah Hart and 12-year-old Sierra Hart.
Investigators are still trying to piece together exactly when the crash occurred, and there were no witnesses. The car engine was cold by the time first responders arrived on the scene, authorities said.
There was no evidence left in the car, but police are searching for possible gas or hotel receipts to obtain a better timeline, officials said, adding that they have “no reason to believe” that the crash was “an intentional act.”
