You may remember 15-year-old Devonte Hart as the black kid who hugged a white cop, in a photo taken at a Portland, Oregon demonstration in 2014 that went viral and added to the national conversation about police brutality. Unfortunately, the Hart family’s SUV was discovered in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, after seemingly plunging off a 100-foot cliff. According to the New York Times, both of his parents were found dead inside the vehicle, with three of their children found dead in the ocean. Devonte, as well as two other Hart children, are still missing.
“We have every indication to believe that all six children were in there, however only three bodies have been recovered,” said Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman. “We have no evidence and no reason to believe this was an intentional act. Certainly people are wondering what caused this.”
As perhaps the only shred of hope remaining here, authorities are reportedly considering the idea that some of the missing kids could’ve been staying with friends during the incident. Of course, that is tragically unlikely.
This tragic event, which has yet to fully conclude, has left everyone with a series of difficult questions. As the New York Times reports, there were no skid marks leading to the cliffside. Added to that, in order to plunge off that particular cliff, one has to actively cover 75 feet of dirt. Was this an intentional act? If not, what exactly caused this temporary loss of motor skills? Unfortunately, it seems there are some additional, troubling details to consider.
The Washington State Child Protective Services learned of child abuse allegations last Friday, with no one answering the door during three surprise visits at the Hart household. Norah West, a spokeswoman for the organization, said the inquiry into the Harts began when “allegations of abuse or neglect in the home” became known. Additionally, Hart family neighbor Dana DeKalb told KGW that Devonte himself had started asking her for food recently, often multiple times per day. It was DeKalb that notified the protective services. While this certainly points to an unstable home, it does not serve as evidence that the SUV incident was an intentional one.
As it stands, the officially perished Hart family members include: Markis, 19; Jeremiah, 14; and Abigail, 14. The three missing members are: Devonte, 15; Hannah, 16; and Sierra, 12. Regarding the official cause that resulted in the Hart family vehicle losing control, it currently isn’t a priority. What is most important, is that the remaining family members are found alive, as soon as possible.
