Tragedy Along the Brazos: Johnson County Mourns the Loss of Two Young Brothers
What begins as an ordinary afternoon of family fun can change in an instant. On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the tranquil banks of the Brazos River in Johnson County, Texas, became the scene of unimaginable heartbreak,
leaving families and neighbors struggling to comprehend how a moment of play turned into tragedy. Authorities confirmed the deaths of two young boys as accidental drownings, yet the shock has left the community shaken and reflective about the dangers of water, even in familiar surroundings.
A Peaceful Day Turns Heartbreaking
Brothers Banx McAmis, 4, and Bowyn Miller, 7, were enjoying the late afternoon near the Brazos River at Hamm Creek Park, just outside Rio Vista. Last seen around 6:10 p.m., the boys were playing near the water, as children often do, under the watch of family. Within moments, a joyful afternoon turned frantic when the brothers went missing.
Frantic Search Efforts
Emergency responders immediately launched a search operation, combing the riverbanks and surrounding areas. Agencies involved included the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Cleburne and Grandview Fire Departments, and Texas Game Wardens.
By approximately 8:30 p.m., authorities located both boys in the river. Despite rapid life-saving attempts from first responders, neither child could be revived. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths were accidental and emphasized that foul play was not suspected.
“Unfortunately, it’s one of those situations where they looked away for a minute and it didn’t take much,” said Lt. Keven George.
Remembering Banx and Bowyn
Family and friends described the boys as inseparable companions, full of curiosity and joy. Banx, the younger of the two, was known for his love of Ninja Turtles, Pokémon, and puddle-jumping adventures, while Bowyn enjoyed karate, video games, and exploring outdoors. A family tribute described them as “brothers. Best friends. Two little boys who did everything together — and now, heartbreakingly, left this world together.”
Bowyn, a second-grader at Plum Creek Elementary, was remembered in a letter from the Joshua Independent School District, which offered condolences and counseling services to students and staff affected by the loss.
Community Response
The Johnson County community rallied quickly to support the grieving families. Banx’s father, Landon McAmis, and Bowyn’s family received both emotional and financial support through local initiatives:
Banx’s aunt, Emery Jarrel, launched a GoFundMe to assist with funeral and memorial costs.
Terri Blanscet organized a separate fundraiser highlighting Banx as “the absolute sweetest soul.”
By October 11, over 300 donors had contributed more than $35,000.
Neighbors also gathered for vigils along the river, leaving flowers, toys, and messages of remembrance, creating a public space to honor the boys’ lives and reflect on the sudden tragedy.
Lessons and Warnings
While the incident has devastated families, it has also reinforced a critical message about water safety:
Constant supervision: Children should never be left unattended near rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
Life jackets: Even calm, shallow water can be dangerous; proper flotation devices save lives.
Education: Teaching children about water safety, swimming, and emergency response is vital.
Community awareness: Parks and rivers should have clear signage and accessible safety equipment where possible.
Officials continue to stress vigilance and preparation, noting that even short distractions can lead to accidents in seemingly safe environments.
Conclusion
The deaths of Banx McAmis and Bowyn Miller are a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly accidents can happen, even during ordinary play. Their loss has left Johnson County in mourning, but it has also sparked a renewed commitment to water safety, community support, and the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones.
As the families grieve, the community rallies, honoring the boys’ lives through remembrance and vigilance. While the pain is immeasurable, their story serves as a solemn reminder: safety, supervision, and awareness can prevent tragedy, and every moment with a child is precious beyond measure.