Tragedy at Wendtwoods Park: 19-Year-Old Ronnie Singleton III Drowns Trying to Retrieve Basketball
THE WOODLANDS, TX — What started as a simple game of basketball among brothers and friends ended in heartbreak Sunday night when 19-year-old Ronnie Singleton III drowned in a pond at Wendtwoods Park, leaving behind a grieving family and stunned community.
The tragedy unfolded just after 9:20 p.m., as the sun had set and the evening was winding down. A basketball rolled off the court and into the nearby pond — an everyday accident in a park where teens and families often gather to play and unwind. But when Ronnie, who could not swim, waded in to retrieve it, he never resurfaced.
“He just wanted to get the ball,” said one onlooker. “Nobody expected it to end like this.”
According to reports, Ronnie was playing with his younger brother and friends when the ball drifted into the pond. Witnesses said he entered the water without hesitation, despite knowing he was not a swimmer. Within moments, he was gone.
His friends and family frantically searched for him, calling 911 when they realized he had disappeared beneath the surface. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but by the time firefighters arrived, Ronnie had been missing for approximately 20 minutes — precious time in a drowning emergency.
Firefighters from The Woodlands Fire Department deployed a boat equipped with sonar technology to scan the pond. It didn’t take long to locate him beneath the murky surface. They pulled Ronnie from the water and immediately began life-saving efforts, including CPR, in a desperate attempt to revive him. Despite their determined efforts, it was too late. Ronnie Singleton III was pronounced dead at the scene.
His devastated mother, who rushed to the park after hearing the news, could only watch in anguish as rescuers worked in vain. Witnesses described the scene as emotionally overwhelming, with loved ones weeping and comforting one another.
“He was just a good kid,” a neighbor shared. “He loved basketball, his family, and always had a smile on his face. He didn’t deserve this.”
Ronnie had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to start a new chapter in life. His family described him as bright, respectful, and full of potential. His sudden death has left an unfillable void in their hearts — and in the community that knew and loved him.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, many are grappling with difficult questions about safety and awareness around park water features.
While the pond at Wendtwoods Park is a common sight near the basketball court and walking paths, it’s not intended for swimming. The park, like many others in the area, has no lifeguard presence or safety barriers separating courts and open water. It raises concerns about what more can be done to protect young lives from similar fates — particularly for individuals who cannot swim.
Experts emphasize that drowning can happen quickly and silently, often within seconds, and urge the public to remain vigilant near any body of water, no matter how calm or shallow it may seem.
This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be — and how easily a moment of recreation can turn into a nightmare.
Ronnie Singleton III’s name now joins too many others lost to accidental drownings each year. His family’s grief is immeasurable, and their heartbreak, unimaginable.
As loved ones prepare to lay him to rest, the community is rallying around them with prayers, support, and shared sorrow. Vigils and tributes are being planned to honor a young man who left this world far too soon.
Rest in peace, Ronnie. You were deeply loved, and your light will never be forgotten.
If you or someone you know wants to support Ronnie’s family, check with local community groups or trusted sources for verified fundraising efforts in his memory.