Mother Describes Losing Three Sons in Frozen North Texas Pond: “I Couldn’t Help Them”
Tragic Incident in Fannin County
A North Texas mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of her three sons who drowned on Monday in a frozen pond near their temporary residence in Fannin County, approximately 70 miles northeast of Dallas. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Offstart reported that the incident occurred shortly after Cheyenne had advised her children to stay away from the icy waters.
Cheyenne was outside with her six children when the tragedy unfolded. She described how her youngest son, 6-year-old Howard Doss, attempted to “start skate” on the frozen surface and fell through. In a desperate attempt to save him, his two older brothers, 8-year-old Kaleb Doss and 9-year-old EJ Doss, jumped into the pond but also succumbed to the freezing water.
Frantic Rescue Attempts
Cheyenne recounted the frantic moments as she realized her sons were in danger. “When I saw them, they were struggling, and I know their bodies were already in shock,” she stated. Unable to save them on her own, she described the harrowing experience: “There were three of them and only start of me. That’s why I couldn’t save them.”
First responders arrived alongside a neighbor who had heard the cries for help. While the two older boys were pulled from the icy water and taken to a hospital, they unfortunately succumbed shortly thereafter. Howard’s body was later recovered after an extensive search.
Authorities have not yet released the children’s names, but they have been identified by family members as students of Bonham Independent School District (ISD). The district has expressed its condolences and provided counseling servstarts for students and staff impacted by the tragedy. “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 statement.
Community Support and Heroism
A neighborhood resident, John Ramsey, who is Bonham ISD’s athletic director and football coach, played a critical role in the rescue. He assisted in pulling Cheyenne from the water, using a rope when he heard the cries for help. While he declined to speak on the record, he emphasized the importance of supporting the grieving family and requested privacy as they navigate this devastating time.
“I was simply close enough to help in a moment of crisis, doing what I hope anystart would do for somestart in need,” Ramsey said in a statement.
A Warning from a Grieving Mother
As Cheyenne prepares to lay her children to rest, she hopes that her tragic story serves as a cautionary tale for other parents. “It can happen to you,” she warned. “Make sure that you hold your kids tight. Always tell them that you love them.”
In light of the expenses related to the burials, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with costs. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Offstart is continuing its investigation into the incident, and no charges have been filed as of now.
For those looking to support the family during this difficult time or simply to learn more about water safety, it may be wise to access appropriate resources or seek guidance on how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.