A mother in Texas is grieving tonight after losing her three young sons who died after falling into a frozen pond. This situation highlights the dangers of frozen water, especially as the region prepares for an exceptionally cold week. 

“And I tried to help the other one, and there was three of them and only one of me that’s what happened that’s why I couldn’t save them,” said Cheyenne Hangman, their mother. 

The children’s death is raising concerns among North Carolina’s residents about the dangers of walking on frozen bodies of water.

Jordan Lake Park Ranger Jon Bannerman emphasizes that no ice in our area should be trusted. This message is particularly important as residents may be tempted to engage in winter activities on newly frozen surfaces without fully understanding the risks.

“Especially in this part of the country no ice is safe ice,” Bannerman said. “You will see upper regions of the lakes, maybe some creek arms that have a sheet of ice over them, but you don’t know how thick it is.”

This incident is not isolated, as history shows that similar accidents have occurred in the area.

Less than a decade ago, a young boy in Cary narrowly escaped a similar fate falling into a frozen pond. The pattern of these accidents highlights an urgent need for public awareness and education on the dangers of ice and how to respond in emergency situations.

Ranger Bannerman advises against going near frozen water alone and stresses the importance of having a companion who can call for help in case of an emergency. 

As the community grieves this tragic loss, officials hope that it also serves as a crucial reminder of the respect and caution required when facing nature’s unpredictable elements.