CROCKETT, Texas – A family of four from Houston, including a 6-year-old boy, drowned in a lake near Crockett on Sunday.
"It's just hard to lose four family members like this," said Dustin Decker.
Decker was a friend, but after so many years, he's turned into family and he was coping with the devastating loss of Juan Cantu, 47, Amy Mendez, 48, Antonio Gutierrez, 49, and Sabastian Chavez, 6.
"That kid was so amazing. As much as he went through premature and being in the hospital, almost died so many times and all that stuff, then drowning. I just can't believe it," said Decker.
Investigators said the family rented a canoe at the Houston County Lake at about 2 p.m. Sunday. They were expected to return at 4 p.m., but never did.
"We had some canoers that went out canoeing and they haven't come back and we are a little concerned," said the man who called 911.
Authorities recovered three bodies Sunday and the fourth Monday. They also found the boat submerged and three of the four life jackets floating in the water.
"I don't think they were wearing them. That's only speculation right now," said Houston County Chief Deputy G.P. Shearer.
But witnesses did see Sabastian wearing a life jacket.
Decker said the 6-year-old was headed into the second grade and loved school.
"He knew how to read at a young age and was very smart, intelligent," said Decker.
He said the boy also loved fishing, something he was doing the same day he died.
"I just can't believe it. It's just heartbreaking, you know," said Decker.
A viewing for Cantu, Mendez and Chavez is planned at Santana Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. The funerals are planned for Thursday.
The family also organized a barbecue fundraiser at noon Sunday at Norstar Sports Bar at 10425 Bauman Road.