FORT WORTH, Texas — A weekend outing at Eagle Mountain Lake turned tragic Saturday evening when a father went missing while his two children were rescued from the water, authorities confirmed.
The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) said they received a distress call around 5:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025, after witnesses reported two children floating and screaming for help. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and successfully pulled the children from the lake.
Investigators determined the children had been aboard a small watercraft with their father when the situation unfolded.
“The father, a 50-year-old male, has not been located and is currently considered missing,” TRWD said in a late-Saturday news release.
Though officials have not publicly confirmed his identity, community members say the missing man is Jim Chaikong, a beloved Abilene musician. News of his disappearance has shaken both the Abilene and Fort Worth communities, sparking an outpouring of prayers and support for his family.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alongside TRWD and local rescue teams, launched an immediate search that stretched into the night and continued into Sunday morning.
“This is an ongoing search,” said Maggie Berger, spokesperson for Texas Parks and Wildlife. Crews are using sonar, dive teams, and boats to scan the expansive lake, which spans more than 8,600 acres.
Officials warned that conditions on the lake can be unpredictable, and even experienced swimmers can face life-threatening situations.
For many in Abilene, Chaikong is not just another name in the music scene — he is a friend, mentor, and devoted father.
“Jim is the kind of person who always gave his heart on stage and off,” one friend wrote online. “We’re all devastated and praying for his children.”
Social media tributes flooded timelines Saturday night, with the hashtag #PrayersForJim quickly gaining traction as fellow musicians and fans shared memories and messages of support.
Authorities have not said when search efforts may scale back, stressing that their mission is to locate the missing man and provide answers to his family.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with Texas’ lakes during the summer months. Officials continue urging families to use life jackets, follow safety guidelines, and remain vigilant on the water.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Tarrant Regional Water District or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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