Mother's Heartbreaking Account of Failed Rescue Attempt for Three Sons in Icy Texas Pond
A Texas mother has shared the devastating details of the moment she tried desperately to rescue her three young sons who tragically died after falling through an icy pond during a brutal winter storm. Cheyenne Hangaman recounted the horrific incident to local television station Fox4, explaining how she "just couldn't save" her boys aged 6, 8, and 9.
The Fatal Incident on a Frozen Pond
The tragedy unfolded on Monday in Fannin County, located near the Oklahoma border, when the boys wandered onto a frozen pond behind a friend's house. Hangaman was alerted to the emergency by the boys' sister, who rushed to find help after witnessing the unfolding disaster.
"I start running towards the pond and I jump in and I try to save them — also trying to keep myself alive because the water is freezing," Hangaman told FOX 4. "As soon as I jump in, I like locked up."
The mother described the overwhelming nature of the situation, stating: "I couldn't really hardly do anything. It was just one of me and three of them. And they were all needing me at one time and I couldn't — I just couldn't save them."
Chain of Events Leading to Tragedy
Hangaman revealed she had previously warned her children to stay away from the dangerous frozen water. Despite her warnings, her youngest son ventured onto the ice and fell through. In a heartbreaking turn of events, his two older brothers immediately ran to his aid, plunging into the freezing water after him.
"That's how they all ended up in there," she explained, detailing the sequence that led to the triple tragedy.
Rescue Efforts and Emergency Response
During the chaotic scene, a nearby man — identified as the head football coach at Bonham High School — heard the commotion and raced to help. He threw Hangaman a rope, pulling her to safety from the freezing water.
Multiple emergency agencies from the surrounding area responded to the incident, according to an official news release from the Fannin County Sheriff's Office. With assistance from a neighbour, first responders managed to pull the two eldest boys from the frigid pond. They provided immediate medical aid before rushing the children to hospital by ambulance.
The youngest boy was recovered after an extensive search of the pond. Tragically, all three children were pronounced deceased despite the rescue efforts.
Remembering Three Vibrant Young Lives
Through her tears, Hangaman shared heartfelt memories of her sons' distinct personalities and passions:
- EJ, the eldest: "Didn't care about nothing but football and getting his haircut"
- Caleb: "His personality was out of this world. He was the sweetest soul I ever met."
- Howard, the youngest: "He was just goofy. He liked to liven the party. He was hard-headed."
Warning to Other Parents and Community Support
A FOX 4 anchor noted that Hangaman chose to share her tragic experience in the hope that other parents would recognise the extreme dangers posed by icy conditions during winter storms. The family has received significant community support, with a GoFundMe campaign established to help cover funeral expenses raising over $60,000 by Tuesday evening.
Broader Context of Winter Storm Fern
The drownings occurred during winter storm Fern, which battered much of the United States, causing widespread disruption. The severe weather system has been responsible for over two dozen deaths across the country and left thousands without power, highlighting the broader dangers of such extreme winter conditions.
