A mother is heartbroken as she recounts her frantic efforts to rescue her three young sons who tumbled into a cold pond. Tragedy struck when six-year-old Howard, eight-year-old Kaleb, and nine-year-old EJ fell through the icy surface of the pond situated off Recreational Road in Bonham, Texas. Despite Cheyenne Hangaman, the boys’ mother, leaping in to save them, she tragically couldn’t rescue her children.
Cheyenne expressed her distress, stating that she struggled to save her sons while battling to stay afloat herself. Despite the brave attempts of other individuals and emergency responders who also plunged into the water, Kaleb and EJ were retrieved but declared deceased shortly after. Howard, the youngest among the siblings, was submerged and later found after an extensive search of the pond.
According to Cheyenne, Howard was the first to fall into the water, prompting his brothers to jump in to help. The brothers attended the same school, which is offering counseling services to support students and staff in the aftermath of the incident. The Bonham Independent School District spokesperson conveyed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, extending sympathies to the family, friends, and all who knew the children.
This unfortunate event occurred during Winter Storm Fern, which has ravaged the United States this week, claiming the lives of around 30 individuals, including the young boys. A fundraising page has been set up by Cheyenne’s sister to support the grieving family, raising over $35,000 (£25,000) so far. Fannin County, Texas Sheriff’s Office spokesperson detailed the response to the emergency call involving the three brothers who fell through the pond ice, leading to the devastating outcome.
The impact of Winter Storm Fern has been felt in various states, with fatalities reported in Arkansas, Michigan, Virginia, and Tennessee. Among these incidents was a fatal plane crash at Bangor International Airport during heavy snowfall. The community continues to mourn the loss of lives due to the severe weather conditions.