In a devastating incident that has shocked the local community, three young brothers have tragically lost their lives after falling through the ice on a private pond near Bonham, Texas. The accident occurred on Monday, 27 January 2026, leaving family and neighbours in profound grief.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Account
Cheyenne Hangaman, the mother of the six children, has described the frantic moments when she attempted to save her sons from the freezing water. According to her account to the Associated Press, she ran into the icy lake upon hearing the commotion, desperately trying to pull the boys to safety.
"They were just screaming, telling me to help them," Hangaman recounted. "And I watched all of them struggle, struggle to stay above the water. I watched all of them fight."
The Chain of Events
Hangaman explained to CBS News that the tragedy began when her youngest son, six-year-old Howard Doss, ventured onto the frozen pond attempting to "ice skate" on the surface. The ice gave way beneath him, plunging him into the frigid water.
In a heartbreaking display of sibling loyalty, his two older brothers – eight-year-old Kaleb Doss and nine-year-old EJ Doss – immediately jumped into the water in a valiant attempt to rescue their younger brother. This act of bravery ultimately led to all three boys becoming trapped in the freezing pond.
A Desperate Rescue Attempt
The mother of six described how she first learned of the emergency when her daughter came running to alert her that the boys had fallen into the icy water. The pond was located near the temporary accommodation where the family had been staying.
"I tried to fight for my kids' life, where I had to watch them struggle and drown and I couldn't help them," Hangaman told CBS, her voice filled with anguish. She described how the ice continued to break beneath her as she attempted to reach her sons, making rescue impossible.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
Neighbours in the Bonham area have confirmed the tragic details of the incident, which has raised significant concerns about water safety during winter months. The private pond where the accident occurred has become the focus of local attention as authorities and community members reflect on how such tragedies might be prevented in future.
The devastating loss of Howard, Kaleb and EJ Doss serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that frozen bodies of water can present, particularly to curious children during winter weather conditions.
