STT. Three Young Brothers Killed After Falling Through Ice While Trying to Save One Another

On January 26, 2026, a seemingly ordinary winter afternoon in the town of Bonham, Texas, became an indelible and painful memory for an entire community.

What began as a carefree children’s playtime ended in a tragedy no one could have imagined.

The three Doss brothers perished after falling into an icy pool, where the ice, though seemingly solid, was actually incredibly fragile.

Edward “EJ” Doss was only nine years old.

Kaleb Doss is eight years old.

Howard Doss is only six years old.

They are brothers, growing up together, playing together, and always being there for each other in every moment of their lives.

No one could have imagined that this very bond would become the last thread connecting them in a moment of life and death.

That afternoon, the three brothers were playing near a private pond located along Recreational Road #3.

It’s a familiar, quiet area, usually with not much traffic.

The frozen surface of the pond reflects the faint light of winter, creating a sense of security so deceptive that it fools both adults and children.

A historic cold snap is gripping many southern US states, causing ice to appear in places that rarely freeze over.

In Texas, ice on ponds and lakes is not a common sight.

It is precisely this rarity that makes many people complacent.

For children, the surface of ice is a novelty, sparking curiosity and excitement.

No one thought that in just a few seconds, the surface of that pond would turn into a deadly trap.

According to what was later confirmed, the ice had unexpectedly cracked.

One of the children fell first.

Soon after, the remaining children were also dragged along.

The laughter vanished, replaced by screams of panic that echoed through the freezing air.

The water beneath the ice is so cold it can paralyze the body in an instant.

Muscle spasms.

His breath was stolen.

A neighbor heard the cries for help and rushed over without thinking.

This person, along with the rescue team, managed to pull the two older boys out of the water.

Edward and Kaleb were brought ashore unconscious.

Revival efforts were undertaken immediately.

CPR is performed continuously.

Warm blankets were wrapped around the children’s tiny bodies.

Time then became the most ruthless enemy.

The two boys were rushed to the local hospital.

Meanwhile, the youngest boy, Howard, still hadn’t surfaced.

An emergency search was launched.

The unstable ice surface made rescue efforts extremely dangerous.

The family stood by the pond in despair.

No one dared to say the worst out loud.

Eventually, Howard’s body was found beneath the icy water.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly afterward, the hospital delivered the remaining bad news.

Edward and Kaleb did not survive.

All three brothers have passed away.

Investigative reports indicate that the two older brothers jumped into the water in an attempt to save their younger sibling.

That wasn’t a calculated act of heroism.

That’s an instinctive reaction of children who love each other.

When they saw that she was in danger, they didn’t run away.

They chose to stay.

The children’s mother, witnessing the scene before her eyes, plunged into the pond in despair.

She was pulled to safety just in time by a neighbor.

If we had been a few seconds slower, the tragedy could have been even greater.

Those present at the scene later described the mother’s cries as the most haunting sound they had ever heard.

It was the cry of a helpless mother facing the moment her life was torn apart.

Even the rescuers, who are accustomed to facing death, could not hide their shock.

Three young lives were snatched away in just a few minutes.

No one could have prepared for that.

News of the tragedy spread quickly throughout Bonham and the surrounding areas.

Schools, churches, and community organizations have all expressed their condolences.

Prayer services were held.

Flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes appeared by the pond.

Locals say the three boys always go together.

Always laughing and joking.

Always protect each other.

Now, that laughter exists only in memories.

Local officials emphasize that the ice on lakes and ponds in the Southern states is never safe.

The ice may look solid, but it’s not thick enough to support the weight.

A single misstep can lead to disaster.

They urged parents to talk to their children about the potential dangers.

Sadly, that warning came too late for the Doss family.

Psychologists say that losing a child is an incomparable pain.

Losing three children at once is a pain beyond words.

The house, once filled with footsteps and laughter, is now shrouded in silence.

The community is still trying to protect the family through sharing and support.

But nothing can compensate for this loss.

The story of Edward, Kaleb, and Howard is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.

It also serves as proof of a deep and unwavering brotherhood.

The two boys chose to jump into the cold water rather than abandon their younger sibling.

That’s the kind of courage no child should have to show.

As Bonham was plunged into grief, those three names were mentioned together.

Edward.

Kaleb.

Howard.

May the memories of these children live on forever.

May this story help prevent similar tragedies.

And may the families of these children find the strength to continue living in a future that has been forever changed. 💙