Three young brothers died on Monday, January 26, 2026, after breaking through the ice on a frozen pond in Bonham, Texas, despite their mother and a neighbor’s frantic efforts to save them.
The victims were identified as 6-year-old Howard Doss, 8-year-old Kaleb Doss, and 9-year-old Edward (EJ) Doss. The incident occurred at a private pond off Rec Road 3 in Fannin County, about 60 miles northeast of Dallas.
The boys’ mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, said the youngest child fell through first, and his two older brothers jumped in to try to pull him out.
Hangaman explained that her daughter alerted her that the boys were in distress. The mother of six immediately entered the pond to rescue them, but the ice repeatedly crumbled beneath her.
“There were three of them and only one of me,” Hangaman said. “That’s why I couldn’t save them.”
She eventually became immobilized in the freezing water as her body went into shock. A neighbor who heard calls for help managed to pull her out.
John Ramsey, a football coach with the Bonham Independent School District, was close by when he heard someone shouting and stepped in to help. Ramsey declined an interview but shared a written statement.
“I was nearby helping a neighbor when I heard someone calling for help and went to assist,” Ramsey said. “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.”
Responders and the neighbor removed two of the boys from the pond. The 8- and 9-year-old brothers were transported to a hospital, where they later died. The 6-year-old did not resurface and was located after a prolonged search.
The pond was roughly 100 feet from the home where the family was staying. Hangaman had cautioned the boys to stay away from the water before the accident.
Schools were closed due to a winter storm that brought dangerous ice and freezing temperatures. All three boys were elementary students in the Bonham Independent School District.
The Bonham Fire Department responded alongside the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens. Several agencies assisted with the recovery and investigation.
Lance Hamlin, superintendent of the Bonham Independent School District, addressed the loss in a letter to families. The district said counseling services would be available for grieving students and staff.
Frozen lakes and ponds can be extremely dangerous during winter storms, even when the ice looks solid. Ice thickness can vary widely due to changes in depth, currents, weather conditions, and snow coverage. Areas that seem stable may be dangerously thin just a short distance away.
Experts recommend at least four inches of clear, solid ice to safely support a person, though many factors influence ice strength. New, transparent ice is generally stronger than older or cloudy ice.
When someone breaks through ice, sudden exposure to freezing water can cause gasping and rapid breathing, making it hard to stay afloat. Body heat is lost quickly, and hypothermia can set in fast. Hands and limbs also lose function rapidly, making self-rescue very difficult.
Untrained rescue attempts often lead to additional victims, as rescuers face the same unstable conditions. Emergency personnel undergo specialized training and use equipment designed to prevent further breakthroughs, such as ice picks, rescue sleds, cold-water suits, and weight-distributing rope systems.
Though the instinct to immediately jump in is strong, experts advise calling emergency services first and then trying to reach the person from shore using an item that can extend reach without stepping onto unsafe ice.
A GoFundMe campaign was created to help with funeral costs. The boys’ father, Edward Doss, spoke to media outlets after the incident.
The winter storm brought unusual ice and freezing temperatures to parts of Texas not accustomed to severe cold. The weather system caused widespread school closures, power outages, and unsafe travel across North Texas. Many residents, especially children, have little experience with frozen ponds or the hazards they pose.
The tragedy highlighted concerns about winter water safety in southern regions that rarely experience long-lasting freezes. These communities often lack the resources and public education programs commonly found in colder climates, leaving families without crucial guidance.