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Thursday 09/04/2026

Tragedy Strikes as Three Brothers Drown in Texas Pond Ice Accident

Mother rescuing sons from a frozen pond in Texas
Marcus BlakeMarcus Blake

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Three young brothers, aged six, eight, and nine, drowned after falling through ice on a pond in Bonham, Texas, on January 27, 2026.
  • Their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, attempted to rescue them but was unable to due to the ice breaking beneath them.
  • The boys were identified as Howard, Kaleb, and EJ Doss, and their deaths coincide with a deadly winter storm affecting Texas.
  • A neighbor, who is also a football coach, helped rescue Hangaman from the freezing water using a horse rope.
  • The local school community is mourning the loss, offering counseling services to students and staff.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Bonham, Texas, three young brothers tragically lost their lives after falling through the ice on a private pond. The accident occurred on January 27, 2026, amidst a severe winter storm that has claimed over 20 lives across the region.

A Mother's Desperate Attempt

Cheyenne Hangaman, the boys' mother, recounted the harrowing moments when she tried to save her sons, Howard, Kaleb, and EJ Doss, aged six, eight, and nine, respectively. "There was three of them and only one of me," she told CBS News, describing how the ice repeatedly broke as she attempted to pull them to safety. The youngest, Howard, fell through first while trying to "ice skate," prompting his older brothers to jump in after him.

Community Response and Rescue Efforts

The local sheriff's office reported that emergency workers, along with a neighbor, managed to retrieve the two older boys first, while the youngest was found after an extensive search. The neighbor, a football coach at the boys' school, played a crucial role in rescuing Hangaman from the icy water using a horse rope. "He heard the screaming and came running," Hangaman said, expressing her gratitude for his swift action.

A Community in Mourning

The tragic deaths have left the local community in shock. The boys' school expressed their devastation in a letter to families, offering counseling services to help students and staff cope with the loss. Hangaman described her sons as vibrant and full of personality, with dreams and passions that will now remain unfulfilled.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The tragic drowning of the Doss brothers underscores the dangers posed by thin ice, especially during severe winter conditions. As Texas continues to grapple with the aftermath of the winter storm, this incident may prompt increased awareness and safety measures around frozen bodies of water. Experts might advocate for educational campaigns on ice safety, particularly in regions unaccustomed to such harsh winter weather. Additionally, the community's response highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and neighborly support in times of crisis.