What began as a quiet family outing by the river turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a Texas family. Four-year-old Banx McAmis and his seven-year-old brother, Bowyn Miller, were playing near the water at Hamm Creek Park, just outside Rio Vista, when they disappeared around 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. A frantic search unfolded along the banks of the Brazos River in Johnson County, with multiple emergency crews racing against time. About two hours later, around 8:30 p.m., both boys were pulled from the river. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the deaths were accidental drownings, emphasizing that no foul play was suspected. Officials described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly danger can strike near open water, even during a brief moment of distraction.

The loss sent shockwaves through the entire community, especially at Plum Creek Elementary School, where Bowyn was a second grader. The Joshua Independent School District shared condolences with families and made counseling services available to help students and staff cope with the grief. Loved ones remembered the boys as inseparable—brothers and best friends who did everything together. Banx was known for his boundless energy and love for games and puddles, while Bowyn enjoyed karate, video games, and caring for his siblings. As the community rallied around the family, fundraisers were launched to help cover funeral expenses, and messages of support poured in. Authorities urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant near water, stressing supervision and safety measures. The tragedy left behind not only devastated parents and relatives, but also a community united in mourning two young lives lost far too soon.