7-Year-Old Bowyn Miller and 4-Year-Old Banx McAmis Drown in Brazos River After Parents Briefly Looked Away

In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the Johnson County community, two young brothers, 7-year-old Bowyn Miller and 4-year-old Banx Stone McAmis, lost their lives in an accidental drowning in the Brazos River. The tragedy unfolded on the evening of October 7, 2025, near Hamm Creek Park outside Rio Vista, Texas. Authorities confirmed that the boys were playing near the water’s edge when they went missing, leading to a swift but ultimately tragic search and rescue operation.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. following a frantic 911 call from the parents, who had briefly turned away from the children. This event underscores the unpredictable dangers of natural waterways and has prompted renewed calls for water safety awareness among families. The boys, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office on October 8, were pronounced dead at the scene after being pulled from the river.

Sheriff Adam King described the response as immediate and exhaustive, involving multiple agencies including local fire departments and search teams. No foul play is suspected, and the deaths have been officially ruled accidental drownings. As the investigation remains ongoing, initial reports indicate the children had wandered into the water undetected during a momentary lapse in supervision, a detail that has left the family and first responders grappling with profound grief. This loss comes at a time when fall weather in North Texas often lures families outdoors, highlighting the need for constant vigilance near rivers and creeks.

Johnson County, located south of Fort Worth, is known for its rural landscapes and recreational spots like Hamm Creek Park, which attracts visitors for picnics and fishing. The Brazos River, one of Texas’s major waterways, flows through the area with varying currents that can turn hazardous without warning. Officials noted that recent rains had not significantly altered water levels, but the river’s depth and flow remain deceptive to young eyes. The sheriff’s office has extended its deepest condolences to the affected family, emphasizing support resources available through local counseling services. Community members have already begun organizing vigils, with the first planned for October 10 at a nearby church.

The Tragic Sequence of Events

The incident began as a routine family outing at Hamm Creek Park, a popular spot along the Brazos River where locals enjoy the mild October temperatures. According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office statement released on October 8, the parents had brought their children to the park for an evening of play. Bowyn Miller and Banx, inseparable brothers full of youthful energy, were last seen playing near the riverbank. In a split-second decision—described by investigators as a brief moment when the adults looked away to handle another child or gather items—the boys ventured too close to the water.

Deputies received the emergency call at approximately 6:27 p.m., reporting two missing children believed to have entered the river. Within minutes, a multi-agency response mobilized, including Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies, Rio Vista Fire Department personnel, and Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens. Search teams deployed boats, drones, and ground units along a quarter-mile stretch of the river. The operation transitioned from rescue to recovery efforts after about 45 minutes, when the boys were located submerged in approximately 8 to 10 feet of water, roughly 200 yards downstream from their starting point.

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Eyewitnesses at the park, who assisted in the initial search, recounted the chaos as parents screamed for help and bystanders formed human chains to scan the banks. The swift current, combined with the river’s muddy bottom, likely contributed to the rapid submersion. First responders performed CPR on-site, but the children could not be revived. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s preliminary autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death, with no signs of trauma or external factors. Sheriff King noted in a press briefing that the water temperature was around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, cold enough to induce shock but not a primary factor in the outcome.

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This sequence aligns with common drowning patterns reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where most child drownings occur in seconds to minutes of unsupervised access to water. In Texas alone, drowning claims over 300 lives annually, with children under 10 comprising a significant portion. The parents, whose names have not been released to respect their privacy, cooperated fully with investigators and are receiving grief counseling through county services. No charges are anticipated, as the incident is deemed a tragic accident rather than negligence.

Remembering Bowyn and Banx: Lives Cut Short

Bowyn Ryne Miller, a second-grader at Plum Creek Elementary School in Cleburne, was remembered by family as a bright and adventurous soul. At just 7 years old, he excelled in karate classes, earning his first belt earlier that summer, and spent countless hours outdoors with his siblings. Video games were his indoor passion, particularly adventure titles that mirrored his exploratory spirit. His aunt, Jarrel McAmis, shared in a family statement that Bowyn’s laughter could light up any room, and he often took on the role of protector for his younger brother. School officials at Plum Creek confirmed Bowyn’s enrollment and described him as an eager learner who loved recess and group activities.

Banx Stone McAmis, the 4-year-old bundle of energy, embodied the unfiltered joy of early childhood. Nicknamed for his boundless stamina, Banx idolized Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and could play outside in any weather, from scorching Texas summers to drizzly falls. Family photos circulating in community tributes show him mid-laugh, covered in playground dirt, or chasing bubbles with his brother. “He was the most energetic little boy you’ve ever met,” Jarrel wrote, capturing the essence of a child who turned everyday moments into adventures. Banx had just started preschool programs, where teachers noted his curiosity and quick friendships.

The brothers shared a close bond, often seen holding hands in family pictures or teaming up for backyard games. Their aunt’s tribute emphasized how they were “the light of everyone’s life,” bringing levity to family gatherings and holidays. Bowyn’s interest in martial arts stemmed from watching action movies with his dad, while Banx’s love for cartoons fueled imaginative playdates. Tragically, the duo leaves behind a younger sister and extended family members who now face the void of their absence. Funeral arrangements are pending, with a joint service expected later this week at a local funeral home in Cleburne. The school district has activated its crisis response team, offering on-site counseling for students and staff affected by the loss.

Community Response and Water Safety Imperative

The Johnson County community has rallied around the Miller-McAmis family with an outpouring of support. By October 9, local businesses in Rio Vista and Cleburne had set up donation drives for funeral costs, while neighbors delivered meals and flowers to the family’s home. A candlelight vigil held on October 10 at Hamm Creek Park drew over 100 residents, where speakers shared stories of the boys’ infectious smiles. Faith leaders from area churches led prayers, focusing on themes of healing and remembrance. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office has fielded hundreds of condolence messages, with Sheriff King publicly thanking the public for their compassion during this difficult time.

In response to the tragedy, local authorities have intensified water safety campaigns. The sheriff’s office issued a advisory urging parents to maintain “arms-length supervision” near any body of water, especially with young children. Hamm Creek Park, while closed temporarily for the investigation, will reopen with enhanced signage warning of swift currents and no-swimming zones.

Texas Parks and Wildlife plans to distribute free life jackets at upcoming community events, emphasizing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the state. Experts recommend installing barriers around home pools and teaching basic swim skills as early as possible, but for rivers like the Brazos, the message is clear: natural waters demand respect and preparation.

This incident has sparked broader discussions on family outings in rural Texas, where access to rivers provides recreation but also risks. Mental health professionals note that such losses can trigger community-wide trauma, recommending resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for those struggling with grief. As the investigation concludes, focus shifts to prevention, ensuring that Bowyn and Banx’s memory drives safer practices for future generations. The family’s plea for privacy amid their mourning is being honored, but their story serves as a stark reminder: vigilance can prevent heartbreak.