3 brothers die in North Texas frozen pond; mother says she 'couldn't save them'

FANNIN COUNTY, Texas — Three young brothers died after falling into an icy pond during a winter storm in Fannin County, according to the Bonham Fire Department. It is the second fatal accident involving North Texas students this week.

The Bonham Fire Department said the victims were elementary school students who fell into a frozen pond in Bonham, about 60 miles northeast of Dallas. Authorities have not released details about how the incident occurred.

Relatives identified the boys to FOX 4 as brothers Howard Hangaman, 6; Kaleb Hangaman, 8; and EJ Hangaman, 9.

Their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, said the youngest child fell into the water first and his two older brothers jumped in to try to save him.

“I started running toward the pond and I jumped in. I tried to save them while also trying to keep myself alive,” Hangaman told FOX 4. “As soon as I jumped in, I locked up. I couldn’t do anything.”

Hangaman said a local high school football coach also attempted to help rescue the boys. She was later pulled from the water by a neighbor.

“It was one of me and three of them, and they all needed me at one time,” she said. “I just couldn’t save them.”

The superintendent of Bonham Independent School District sent a letter to parents Monday expressing the district’s grief, calling the loss “unimaginable” and saying counseling and support services are being made available to the family.

Hangaman remembered each of her sons for their distinct personalities, describing EJ as a football lover, Kaleb as exceptionally kind and Howard as playful and energetic.

The Bonham fire chief is expected to provide an update on the investigation later Tuesday.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help the family with memorial expenses.