Three Texas Brothers Drown in Frozen Pond

Tragic accident leaves community devastated as family struggles to cope with unimaginable loss.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a frozen, desolate pond under a dramatic, moody sky, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of nature.A tragic accident on a frozen Texas pond serves as a somber reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful natural settings.Bonham Today

A tragic accident in Bonham, Texas has left a family and community reeling after three young brothers, aged 6, 8, and 9, drowned in a frozen private pond while trying to rescue the youngest sibling who had fallen through the ice. The boys' mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, bravely attempted to save them but was unable to reach all three. Emergency responders were able to pull the two older boys from the water, but the 6-year-old's body was recovered later after an extensive search.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk beneath frozen bodies of water, even in seemingly peaceful settings. It highlights the critical importance of water safety education and vigilance, especially during the winter months when ice can be deceptively thin and treacherous.

The details

According to reports, the three Doss brothers - Howard, 6, Kaleb, 8, and EJ, 9 - were playing near a private pond approximately 100 feet from the house where their family was staying when the youngest, Howard, fell through the thin layer of ice. In a desperate attempt to save him, the older brothers jumped in, but the ice continued to break beneath them, leaving their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, unable to reach all three. A neighbor who heard Hangaman's cries for help was able to pull her to safety using a horse rope, but the search for the boys proved more challenging. Emergency workers eventually recovered the bodies of the two older brothers, but it took an extensive search to find the 6-year-old's remains.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, April 7, 2026 in Bonham, Texas.
  • The boys' mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, recounted the events to CBS News shortly after the tragedy.

The players

Cheyenne Hangaman

The mother of the three boys who tragically drowned in the frozen pond.

Howard Doss

The 6-year-old brother who fell through the ice and drowned.

Kaleb Doss

The 8-year-old brother who drowned while trying to rescue his younger sibling.

EJ Doss

The 9-year-old brother who drowned while trying to save his younger siblings.

Bonham Football Coach

A neighbor who heard the mother's cries for help and assisted in pulling her to safety.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was like a scene from a nightmare. The youngest tried to ice skate on the thin layer of ice, and when he fell through, the older brothers jumped in to save him. I could see the panic in their eyes as they struggled to stay afloat in the freezing water.”

— Cheyenne Hangaman, Mother of the three boys

“There were three of them, and I was alone. I did my best, but the ice kept giving way, and I couldn't reach them all.”

— Cheyenne Hangaman, Mother of the three boys

What’s next

The local sheriff's office has launched an investigation into the incident to determine if any safety measures could have prevented this tragedy. The community is rallying to support the Hangaman family during this unimaginable time of grief.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety education, especially during the winter months when frozen bodies of water can be deceptively dangerous. It highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.