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Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews
Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

Two Brothers, 4 and 7, Found Dead after Playing Together in Johnson County — Details

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Oct 11, 2025
07:54 A.M.

It was meant to be a peaceful family outing by the river. But by sundown, two young brothers were missing. By nightfall, their lifeless bodies were pulled from the water, sending shockwaves through a quiet Texas community.

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Banx McAmis, just four years old, and his seven-year-old brother Bowyn Miller were discovered dead on the evening of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, along the Brazos River in Johnson County, Texas.

Authorities revealed that the boys had been playing by the water's edge at Hamm Creek Park, just outside Rio Vista, when they vanished around 6:10 p.m.

The Hamm Creek Park, where the boys had been playing, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

The Hamm Creek Park, where the boys had been playing, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

What was described as a "frantic two-hour search" followed. Rescue crews scoured the area until, at around 8:30 p.m., the children were recovered from the river. Despite immediate efforts, they were pronounced dead at the scene, devastating the family and the surrounding community.

Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller, seen in a post dated October 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller, seen in a post dated October 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

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A Split-Second Distraction Ends in Devastation

According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the boys had been at the park with their parents. Lt. Keven George shared, "Unfortunately, it's one of those situations where they looked away for a minute and it didn't take much."

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

The Johnson County Medical Examiner later confirmed both deaths as accidental drownings. Investigators added that foul play was not suspected.

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

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A Loss That Touches the Entire School Community

Bowyn, a second-grader at Plum Creek Elementary School, was remembered in a letter sent to families by Joshua Independent School District (ISD). The district expressed its deep condolences and confirmed that counseling teams would be available to support grieving students and staff.

Bowyn Miller and Banx McAmis, seen in a post dated October 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

Bowyn Miller and Banx McAmis, seen in a post dated October 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

In a somber public message, the Sheriff's Office urged residents to prioritize water safety and remain vigilant when children are near open bodies of water. The department emphasized the use of life jackets and close supervision, especially in natural environments where conditions can change rapidly.

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

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Multiple emergency crews, including responders from the Cleburne and Grandview fire departments and Texas Game Wardens, joined the search efforts. The Sheriff’s Office publicly thanked all teams involved and extended its heartfelt condolences, calling the incident an "unimaginable tragedy."

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

A view of the Brazos River in Johnson County, where the two boys drowned, from a video dated October 8, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@CBSDFW

Best Friends Who Left This World Together

Family members painted a picture of two inseparable brothers. Banx was described as full of life, brimming with energy, and fond of Ninja Turtles, Pokémon, and splashing in puddles. Bowyn loved karate, video games, and spending time outdoors with his siblings.

"They were brothers. Best friends. Two little boys who did everything together — and now, heartbreakingly, left this world together," one emotional tribute read.

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Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller, seen in a post dated October 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller, seen in a post dated October 9, 2025 | Source: Facebook/ryanwolftvnews

Outpouring of Support as Community Rallies Behind the Family

In the wake of the tragedy, the boys' aunt, Emery Jarrel, launched a GoFundMe to assist with funeral and memorial costs. She remembered Bowyn as a caring second grader who cherished time with his brother and sister, while Banx was endlessly energetic, always eager to play — rain or shine.

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Another fundraiser, organized by Terri Blanscet for Banx’s father, Landon McAmis, described the little boy as "the absolute sweetest soul" and shared that Banx had been his father's "world."

She added, "Even if all you can do is say a prayer for Landon and our family, it will be much appreciated."

By Saturday, October 11, more than 300 people had contributed to the two campaigns, raising over $35,000 to help the grieving family cope with their devastating loss.

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