Texas Mother Mourns Three Sons Lost in Frozen Pond Tragedy
A mother in North Texas is mourning the loss of her three sons following a tragic drowning incident in a frozen pond. The event occurred on a Monday near Bonham, about 70 miles northeast of Dallas. According to the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, local and state agencies responded swiftly to the scene.
Incident Overview
The pond, located approximately 100 feet from the family’s temporary residence, became the site of the tragedy when the boys fell through the ice. Cheyenne Hangaman, a mother of six, was present with her children when the incident took place. Despite her warnings to the boys about the dangers of the ice, her youngest son ventured to ice skate, leading to a harrowing rescue attempt.
Frantic Rescue Attempts
After the youngest boy, aged 6, fell through, his two older brothers, aged 8 and 9, jumped in to assist him. Hangaman recounted her struggles to save them, stating, “I tried to pick one up and put them on the ice. It would just break and keep falling in.”
Emergency responders and a neighbor were able to pull the two older boys from the water. However, after being taken to a hospital, they unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. The youngest boy did not resurface and was later recovered following an extensive search.
Community Mourning
The boys—identified as 6-year-old Howard Doss, 8-year-old Kaleb Doss, and 9-year-old EJ Doss—were students at Bonham Independent School District (ISD). The school officials announced that counselors would be available for students and staff who need support during this challenging time. “We are devastated by this unimaginable loss,” the district expressed.
Heroic Neighbor’s Actions
A neighbor who heard the screams rushed to help, pulling Hangaman from the freezing waters. John Ramsey, the athletic director and football coach at Bonham ISD, assisted in the rescue. Although he declined to give interviews, Ramsey emphasized the need for the community to support the grieving family.
A Call for Vigilance
As she prepares for her children’s funerals, Hangaman hopes her heartbreaking experience serves as a cautionary tale to other parents. She urges them to remain vigilant and cherish their children, saying, “It can happen to you. Make sure that you hold your kids tight. Always tell them that you love them.”
Support for the Family
The family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation into the incident, with no current indication of potential charges.
