Tragic Drowning Claims Lives of Three Young Brothers in Texas
In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the community, three young brothers have died after falling through the ice on a private pond near Bonham, Texas. The accident occurred on 27 January 2026, leaving a family devastated and neighbours in mourning.
Desperate Rescue Attempt by Mother
The boys' mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, described the harrowing moments when she frantically tried to save her sons from the freezing water. According to her account, she ran into the icy lake upon hearing the news, but the thin ice kept breaking beneath her, preventing a successful rescue.
"They were just screaming, telling me to help them," Hangaman told the Associated Press. "And I watched all of them struggle, struggle to stay above the water. I watched all of them fight."
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
The tragedy unfolded when the youngest brother, six-year-old Howard Doss, attempted to "ice skate" on the pond's frozen surface, causing him to fall through first. His two older brothers, Kaleb Doss, aged eight, and EJ Doss, aged nine, then jumped into the water in a brave but fatal attempt to rescue their sibling.
Hangaman, a mother of six, first learned of the incident when her daughter alerted her, shouting that the boys had fallen into the icy pond located near the family's temporary residence.
Community and Family Grieve the Loss
Neighbours in Bonham have confirmed the details of the accident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the three young lives. The pond has since become a sombre site, with locals reflecting on the importance of water safety, especially during winter months when ice can be deceptively dangerous.
"I tried to fight for my kids' life, where I had to watch them struggle and drown and I couldn't help them," Hangaman recounted in an emotional interview with CBS News, highlighting the traumatic experience that no parent should endure.
Lessons in Safety and Awareness
This tragic event underscores critical safety concerns regarding frozen bodies of water. Authorities and safety experts often warn that ice on ponds and lakes can be unstable, particularly in regions like Texas where temperatures fluctuate. Parents and caregivers are urged to educate children about the risks and ensure proper supervision near such hazards.
The family's loss serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for community vigilance in preventing similar accidents in the future.
