What began as a warm, carefree Sunday by the Brazos River quickly shifted into a heartbreaking tragedy for one Johnson County family. Dozens of people had gathered at Hamm Creek Park to enjoy the gentle autumn sun, including two young brothers, 7-year-old Bowyn Miller and 4-year-old Banx McAmis. The boys played happily near the riverbank, their laughter blending with the sounds of families relaxing nearby. But as the afternoon light began to fade, the unthinkable happened — Bowyn and Banx suddenly went missing, sending their family into immediate panic.
Authorities say the boys disappeared around 6 p.m. as they played close to the water’s edge. Their parents searched frantically, calling out their names while running along the shoreline. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, launching a fast, coordinated search across the river and surrounding area. For two long hours, responders combed the water with every hope of a safe outcome. When the boys were found around 8:30 p.m., crews did everything possible, but both were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving loved ones facing an immeasurable loss.
Investigators later confirmed the deaths as accidental drownings, emphasizing how quickly danger can arise around natural bodies of water. Even a brief moment of distraction, officials said, can lead to devastating consequences. As news spread, the community rallied around the grieving family. Teachers described Bowyn as curious and kind, while friends remembered Banx as a lively, joyful little boy who adored Ninja Turtles and outdoor play. To everyone who knew them, the brothers were inseparable — best friends who did everything side by side.
In the days that followed, neighbors held vigils, left flowers along the riverbank, and raised more than $35,000 to support the family through funeral and memorial expenses. Their loved ones hope that sharing Bowyn and Banx’s story will serve as a gentle reminder of how precious — and fragile — everyday moments can be. As one relative wrote, “They left us too soon, but their memory reminds us to hold our children close, cherish time together, and never take a single day for granted.”