LA PORTE, TEXAS — Family members say a 7-year-old Indianapolis boy was among three siblings who drowned at a Texas beach on Thursday. A fourth sibling, a 12-year-old boy also from Indianapolis, survived.
Virginia Anthony, of Indianapolis, said her 7-year-old son Zyon Anthony died. Her 12-year-old son, C.J. Anthony, survived.
According to a report from the Chambers County, Texas Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to Sylvan Beach Park, southeast of Houston, around 7:28 p.m. CDT Thursday on report of a possible multi-fatality drowning. Sylvan Beach is in Harris County, however, the bay waters are in Chambers County, the sheriff's office said.
Deputies said four children were swimming in the park when they began having trouble in the water. Two children from Texas drowned along with Zyon Anthony, according to the sheriff's office and family members. C.J. Anthony made it to shore with the assistance of bystanders, according to a report from ABC13 Houston .
Virginia Anthony said her sons were making their first visit to meet with their step-siblings in Texas. Their father drove from Texas to Indianapolis to pick up the boys, she said.
Zyon was described by his mother as the “life of the party,” and always happy and smiling. He loved to go fishing and being with his brothers.
Virginia said she found out about the tragedy when she was awoken by a chaplain knocking at her door early Friday morning.
While C.J. is in “good health,” it is unknown when he will come back to Indianapolis. The family says they are awaiting for the release of Zyon’s body.
This story was originally published by WRTV .
