A Texas mother has told of the devastating moment she tried to rescue her three young sons, who died after falling into an icy pond during a brutal winter storm.
Cheyenne Hangaman told local station Fox4 she “couldn’t save” the three boys, ages 6, 8 and 9, who wandered into a frozen pond behind a friend’s home in Fannin County, near the Oklahoma border, on Monday. The boy’s sister informed her of the accident and rushed to seek help.
“I started running towards the pond and jumped in, trying to save them but also trying to keep myself alive because the water was freezing,” Hangaman told Fox 4. “Once I jumped in, I loved being locked up.”
“There was really little I could do,” Hangaman said. “It was just me and the three of them. They all needed me at one point or another, but I couldn’t—I just couldn’t save them.”
Hangaman said she had warned the children to stay away from the pond, but her youngest took the risk and jumped onto the ice and fell. His brothers ran to his rescue and pursued him.
“That’s how they all ended up there,” she said.
A Texas mother recounts the heartbreaking moment she tried to save her three sons who died after falling into an icy pond (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Hangaman said a nearby man – Bonham High School’s head football coach – heard the chaos, ran to the scene, threw her a rope and pulled her to safety.
Multiple agencies from surrounding areas also responded, according to a news release from the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.
With the help of neighbors, first responders pulled the two oldest boys from the icy water, provided medical aid and took them to hospital by ambulance. The youngest child was found after an extensive search of the pond.
“All three children were pronounced dead,” the release said.
The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office said the brothers fell into a private pond near the Oklahoma border on Monday. (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Through tears, Hangaman shared heartfelt memories of his sons’ vibrant personalities and favorite passions.
“My oldest, EJ, didn’t care about anything but football and haircuts,” she said. “Caleb has a larger-than-life personality. He’s the sweetest guy I’ve ever met. And Howard, he’s just goofy. He loves to liven up the party. He’s so chill.”
A Fox 4 anchor said Hangaman shared her harrowing experience in the hope that other parents would be aware of the dangers of icy conditions. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral expenses. As of Tuesday evening, the company had raised more than $60,000.
The drownings occurred during Winter Storm Fern, which battered much of the United States, killing more than two dozen people and leaving thousands without power.
