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A North Texas mother is grieving the loss of three of her sons after they drowned Monday in a frozen pond near the home where the family had been staying, according to the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.
Multiple state and local agencies responded to a call about three brothers who had fallen through the ice on a private pond off Rec Road #3, just outside Bonham, about 70 miles northeast of Dallas.
The pond sits about 100 feet from the house, separated by an embankment.
The mother of six, Cheyenne Hangaman, said she was outside with her children when they were playing and that “it all happened in an instant.” She said she had warned the boys to stay away from the water, but they didn’t listen.
Hangaman told investigators her youngest son tried to “ice skate” on the frozen pond and fell through.
His two older brothers jumped in to try to save him.
Mother describes frantic rescue attempt
“I tried to pick one up and put them on the ice,” Hangaman told CBS News Texas. “It would just break and keep falling in.”
“There was three of them and only one of me,” she said. “That’s why I couldn’t save them.”
First responders and a neighbor pulled the two older boys, ages 8 and 9, from the water and began life‑saving measures before they were taken to a hospital, where they later died. The youngest child, age 6, did not resurface and was recovered after an extensive search.
Authorities did not release the children’s names, but family members identified them as 6‑year‑old Howard Doss, 8‑year‑old Kaleb Doss and 9‑year‑old EJ Doss. All three were students in Bonham ISD.
Community mourns three young brothers
Hangaman said she realized something was wrong when her daughter ran to her yelling that the boys had gone into the water.
“When I seen them, they were struggling, and I know their bodies were already in shock,” she said. “The water was freezing cold.”
“I tried to fight for my kids’ life,” Hangaman said. “I had to watch them struggle and drown, and I couldn’t help them.”
She described her sons as full of personality – EJ dreamed of becoming a football star, Kaleb loved to dance and sing, and Howard “liked making people laugh.”
Bonham ISD said counselors would be available for students and staff this week.
“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss, and our thoughts are with the family, friends, and all who knew and loved these children,” the district said in a letter to families.
Good Samaritan recounts rescue effort
A neighbor who heard the screams ran to help and was able to pull Hangaman from the water, she said.
Hangaman said she might have lost her life as well if it weren’t for a good Samaritan who pulled her from the water.
“He said he heard the screaming or the call for help and came running. My friend had a horse rope, and he pulled me out with it,” Hangaman said.
That good Samaritan – Bonham ISD’s athletic director and football coach, John Ramsey – declined an interview but shared a statement.
“Right now, all focus should be on supporting a family that is suffering unimaginable loss. They need privacy, prayers and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” Ramsey said. “I’m asking the media and our community to direct all attention toward helping them.
“I was nearby helping a neighbor when I heard someone calling for help and went to assist. Any person in that situation would have done the same thing. I was simply close enough to help in a moment of crisis, doing what I hope anyone would do for someone in need.
“I will not be doing interviews at this time. Instead, I ask that we all come together to support this family however we can. Thank you for your understanding.”
Mother urges parents to stay vigilant
As she prepares to bury her children, Hangaman said she hopes her tragedy serves as a warning to other parents.
“It can happen to you,” she said. “Make sure that you hold your kids tight. Always tell them that you love them.”
The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate. Authorities have not said whether any charges will be filed.
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