A heartbreaking tragedy occurred in Bonham, Texas, on Monday, leaving a community in mourning. Three brothers died in Texas after falling through the ice of a private pond on January 26, 2026. The boys ranged in age from six to nine years old. This devastating incident adds to a growing list of fatalities linked to a massive winter storm sweeping across the United States. Authorities have confirmed at least 35 deaths nationwide as the extreme weather continues to impact millions.
Desperate Rescue Attempt in Bonham
The incident took place on a private property in Bonham, located in Fannin County. Family members identified the victims as Howard, 6, Kaleb, 8, and E.J., 9. The three brothers were playing outside on Monday when they ventured onto a frozen pond.
Thin ice covers many bodies of water in the region due to the recent freeze. Suddenly, the ice gave way beneath the children. They fell into the freezing water.
Their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, witnessed the terrifying moment. She reacted immediately to save her children. Reports state that she jumped into the pond in a desperate attempt to reach them.
She struggled against the freezing water and the ice. Unfortunately, she could not reach the boys in time. A neighbor arrived at the scene and managed to pull the mother from the water before she also succumbed to the cold.
First responders rushed to the location to assist. The neighbor and emergency crews managed to retrieve the two older brothers from the pond. Ambulance crews transported them to a local hospital.
Medical staff worked tirelessly to save them. Sadly, both Kaleb and E.J. passed away at the hospital. The tragedy did not end there.
The youngest brother, Howard, remained missing in the water. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office launched a search operation. Texas Game Wardens assisted local deputies in the recovery effort.
After an extensive search, officials recovered the six-year-old’s body. The loss of all three children has devastated the family and the local community.
Winter Storm Claims 35 Lives Nationwide
This incident contributes to a rising national death toll. The massive winter storm has created hazardous conditions from the South to the Northeast. Reports indicate that the storm has killed at least 35 people across the country.
Some estimates suggest the death toll could reach as high as 42. These fatalities span more than a dozen states. The nature of the deaths varies, but all link back to the extreme weather.
New York has reported significant casualties. At least nine deaths occurred in the state. Officials in New York City reported a grim discovery. Authorities found eight of those victims outdoors. The extreme cold proved fatal for vulnerable populations without shelter.
Texas has seen other storm-related tragedies beyond the Bonham incident. A 16-year-old girl died in Frisco, Texas. She was involved in a sledding accident that turned fatal.
Additionally, a victim in Austin died from hypothermia. The state is grappling with temperatures far below freezing. These incidents highlight the severe danger posed by the current weather system.
Fatalities Reported Across Multiple States
The devastation extends far beyond Texas and New York. Fatalities have occurred in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio also reported storm-related deaths.
The causes of death vary by region. Some victims suffered from hypothermia due to prolonged exposure. Others died in traffic accidents caused by slick roads. Ice accumulation has made driving treacherous in many areas.
Cardiac events while clearing snow have also claimed lives. Shoveling heavy snow places a significant strain on the heart. This is a common cause of death during major winter storms in the North.
Officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania urge residents to exercise caution while shoveling. They recommend taking frequent breaks. Residents should also avoid overexertion in the bitter cold.
Power Outages Persist in the South
The storm has also severely damaged infrastructure. As of Tuesday, more than 500,000 customers remained without power. The outages primarily affect Southern states.
Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana are facing the worst of the blackouts. Ice accumulation on power lines caused the disruptions. Heavy ice snaps lines and topples utility poles.
Living without electricity in these temperatures is dangerous. Homes lose heat rapidly. Residents are resorting to alternative heating methods.
Officials warn against using grills or generators indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk. Fire departments have responded to multiple calls regarding unsafe heating practices.
Utility crews are working to restore electricity. However, the conditions make their job difficult. Icy roads slow down repair trucks. Frozen equipment also delays the restoration process.
Safety Warnings Issued
Authorities are issuing urgent safety warnings. The tragedy where three brothers died in Texas serves as a grim reminder of ice dangers. No ice is 100% safe, especially in southern states where freezes are brief.
Parents should keep children away from ponds, creeks, and lakes. The ice may look solid, but it can crack instantly. Hypothermia sets in within minutes in freezing water.
Drivers should stay off the roads if possible. Black ice is invisible and deadly. If travel is necessary, drivers should keep emergency kits in their vehicles.
The weather forecast predicts continued cold temperatures. The recovery process will take time. Communities are rallying to support those who have lost loved ones.
In Bonham, the focus remains on the grieving family. The loss of three young siblings is unimaginable. Support services will likely assist the family and the first responders involved.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor the impact of this winter storm. We will provide updates on power restoration and safety advisories as they become available.
