Brothers, 4 and 7, Die After Accidental Drowning in River. Family Says They Were ‘The Light of Everyone’s Life’
“My family asks for prayers during this devastating time,” a relative of Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller wrote in a GoFundMe after their deaths
Authorities in Texas said two brothers, ages 4 and 7, were found dead in a river due to accidental drowning.
In a news release shared with PEOPLE, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said it received a 911 call in the early evening of Tuesday, Oct. 7, about possible drownings in the Brazos River near Hamm Creek Park outside of Rio Vista.
“Responding deputies and first responders immediately launched a search and rescue operation. Tragically, two children — 4-year-old Banx McAmis and 7-year-old Bowyn Miller — were located in the water and pronounced deceased at the scene,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Authorities added that the investigation remains ongoing and there is no indication of foul play.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner determined that the brothers’ deaths were accidental drownings, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
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A relative of Banx and Bowyn organized a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral and memorial expenses, writing that the boys were “the light of everyone’s life.”
“On the evening of October 7th, a true tragedy hit my family,” organizer Emery Jarrel wrote in the fundraiser description.
“My nephews, Bowyn Miller (7) and Banx McAmis (4), passed away. We are absolutely heartbroken. Bowyn was in second grade at Plum Creek Elementary School,” Jarrel shared. “He loved karate, playing outside with his brother and sister, and video games. Banx was the most energetic little boy you’ve ever met. He loved his Ninja Turtles and playing outside, rain or shine.”
“My family asks for prayers during this devastating time,” Jarrel added.
“Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to the family and community,” the district said.
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The Tarrant County Medical Examiner and Jarrel did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
In its news release, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office warned residents and visitors to use “extreme caution when near water bodies,” and to “always supervise children closely.”