An Unimaginable Tragedy: Two Brothers, Ages 4 and 7, Die in Accidental Drowning in Brazos River
What began as a quiet family day near the river ended in devastation for a Texas community. On the evening of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, two young brothers, Banx McAmis (4) and Bowyn Miller (7), were found lifeless in the Brazos River at Hamm Creek Park in Johnson County, Texas.
A Split-Second Distraction
The boys vanished around 6:10 p.m. while playing near the water’s edge outside Rio Vista. A frantic two-hour search ensued, involving multiple rescue crews, including the Cleburne and Grandview fire departments and Texas Game Wardens. Tragically, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the children were recovered and pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the boys were at the park with their parents when the incident occurred. Lt. Keven George described the loss as a sudden accident, noting, “Unfortunately, it’s one of those situations where they looked away for a minute and it didn’t take much.”
The Johnson County Medical Examiner confirmed the deaths as accidental drownings, and investigators have ruled out foul play. The Sheriff’s Office publicly extended its deepest condolences to the family, calling the event an “unimaginable tragedy,” and stressed the crucial importance of constant vigilance and life jacket use when children are near natural bodies of water.
A Heartbreaking Loss to the Community
The impact of the tragedy was felt deeply in the local schools. Bowyn, a second-grader at Plum Creek Elementary School, was remembered in a somber letter sent by the Joshua Independent School District (ISD). The district announced that counseling teams would be available to support grieving students and staff.
Family members painted a loving portrait of the two boys, who were described as inseparable “brothers and best friends” who did everything together. Banx was an endlessly energetic four-year-old who loved Ninja Turtles, Pokémon, and splashing in puddles. Bowyn was a caring older brother who loved karate, video games, and spending time outdoors with his siblings. As one tribute noted, the inseparable pair heartbreakingly “left this world together.”
Community Rallies with Support
In the wake of the loss, the community quickly rallied to support the grieving family. The boys’ aunt, Emery Jarrel, launched a GoFundMe to help cover memorial and funeral expenses. She remembered Bowyn as a loving older brother and Banx as a sweet soul who was his father’s world.
Another fundraiser was organized for Banx’s father, Landon McAmis, asking for prayers and any help to ease the family’s burden. By Saturday, October 11, the community’s outpouring of support had resulted in over 300 contributions, successfully raising more than $35,000 for the family.
