It was a tranquil Sunday along the Brazos River in Johnson County, Texas — a day meant for laughter, sunshine, and the joyful sounds of children at play. Families gathered to enjoy the last warmth of autumn, including two young brothers, 7-year-old Bowyn Miller and 4-year-old Banx McAmis, full of energy and excitement. But what began as a carefree afternoon quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. As the sun began to set, the laughter faded — and moments later, both boys were gone.
Authorities reported that Bowyn and Banx had been playing near the edge of Hamm Creek Park, just outside Rio Vista, when they suddenly vanished around 6 p.m. Their parents called frantically, and emergency crews arrived within minutes, combing the shoreline and water in a desperate two-hour search. When the boys were found around 8:30 p.m., rescue teams did everything they could — but it was too late. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving their family engulfed in unimaginable grief.
Investigators confirmed the deaths as accidental drownings, highlighting how quickly tragedy can strike near open water. “It’s one of those moments where you look away for just a second,” said Lt. Keven George of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. “It didn’t take much.” Friends, teachers, and neighbors remembered Bowyn as a kind, curious second grader and Banx as a playful, spirited boy who loved Ninja Turtles and splashing in puddles. Those who knew them described the brothers as inseparable — “best friends who did everything together.”
In the days that followed, the community rallied around the grieving family. Vigils were held, flowers were laid along the riverbank, and two online fundraisers raised over $35,000 to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. Loved ones hope the brothers’ story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of vigilance around water. “They were taken too soon,” one family member wrote. “But they left behind a message — hold your children close, cherish every moment, and never take a single day for granted.”