UK3 min(s) read
uk4 min(s) read
uk3 min(s) read
uk4 min(s) read
uk3 min(s) read
uk3 min(s) read
Published 11:40 13 Dec 2022 GMT
A 10-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after falling into a frozen lake is being hailed as a hero as he attempted to rescue three others.
A rescue operation was launched in Solihull in the UK on December 11 following reports that six children had fallen into an icy lake at Babbs Mill Park, per Sky News.
Authorities confirmed that tragically, three children aged eight, 10, and 11 lost their lives in the incident, with a six-year-old currently in hospital in critical condition.
One of the children who died has been named as 10-year-old Jack Johnson, who reportedly ran and attempted to save the other children that had fallen in when the ice cracked.
As cited by the Daily Mail, Jack's aunt took Facebook to pay tribute to her nephew. She said: "My nephew seen one go through the ice and he ran and tried to save them.
"We are just broken over it and to find out he died trying to save three lads he didn't even know, that just sums him up, he was amazing."
The news outlet adds that while Jack didn't know who the rest of the children were, he didn't hesitate in attempting to help them. The other children are believed to be from one family.
Speaking to Sky News, 10-year-old Tommy Barnet explained how the events unfolded. He said: "They were all playing on the ice, one got their legs stuck in the ice and then… his friends went to go and save him, but they all fell in."
The heartbroken community gathered at the park on the night of December 11 to pay tribute to the victims and those who selflessly risked themselves to help others.
The Daily Mail reported comments from Dale Hewitt, a family friend of Jack. He outlined how the boy's grandfather heard the commotion and ran to help.
"It's just heartbreaking for the family and will have a massive impact on the whole community," he said. "What's happened is so sad. I've got two kids aged six and 11 months and it has really affected me."
People have flocked to the park to pay their condolences by placing candles, flowers, and balloons at the base of a tree. As reported by the Mirror, residents gathered to applaud the efforts of the firefighters.
A police officer was also reportedly taken to hospital with mild hypothermia after he tried to punch through the ice in an attempt to save the children.
Our thoughts go out to all of those affected by this tragedy.
Published 11:51 13 Dec 2022 GMT
One of the children who died after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull has been named locally as 10-year-old Jack Johnson.
On December 11, a rescue operation was launched after reports that up to six children fell in an icy lake at Babbs Mill Park, Solihull, per Sky News.
Three boys aged 11, 10, and eight were confirmed to have died after going into cardiac arrest when they fell into the freezing water, while another boy - aged six - remains in critical condition in hospital.
As reported by the Daily Mail, 0ne of the boys that tragically died has been identified by the family as Jack Johnson. A neighbor told the outlet that Jack and the other children were "playing on top of the frozen lake when the ice cracked".
"Jack and the other lads saw that it had been snowing from the flats and wanted to go and play," they continued. "It’s so tragic. Jack was a lovely lad. I know his dad Kirk. He is devastated. My heart goes out to him."
A family friend named Dale Hewitt also spoke with the Telegraph and said that Jack's grandfather jumped into the water to desperately try and save his grandson.
"It's just heartbreaking for the family and this will have a massive impact on the whole community," he said. "I also know the grandfather of two of the kids involved. I heard that he ran down from where he lives and jumped into the lake to try to save them.
"What's happened is so sad. I've got two kids aged six and 11 months and it has really affected me. I saw a video taken from one of the tower blocks where you can hear these screams of 'Help' coming from the lake. It was unbearable," he added.
Many people in the local community, including many schoolchildren, placed flowers and notes in tribute to the three boys at the base of a tree near the northern entrance to the park. One of the other victims of the tragedy was also identified as Thomas.
The message read: "To my friend Thomas. Thanks for being there for me when I was sad. Thanks for lending me your jacket when I was cold. You were like a brother to me. I miss you so much."
Emergency services called to the scene were unable to save the three boys - with one police officer suffering mild hypothermia after trying to punch through the ice to rescue them.
Superintendent Richard Harris told reporters, via BBC, that officers "did go into the water," with some even going in "waist-deep" to rescue the children.
"One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to actually rescue the children themselves. That officer, as a result of that, had some mild hypothermia yesterday," adding that he had since been released from the hospital after being taken there as a precaution.
"On behalf of West Midlands Police, I would like to pass on our deepest sympathies at this time. The tragic circumstances yesterday afternoon, so close to Christmas time, and our sympathies with the families who have lost loved ones in this incident," Harris added.
Furthermore, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued a statement urging people to be careful around open water, especially when iced over, per the Independent.
A RoSPA spokesperson said: "The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is deeply saddened by the tragic events at Babbs Mill Park, Kingshurst in Solihull, and extends its condolences to the families and communities impacted by the news.
"RoSPA is urging people across Britain to be especially cautious around open waters during the current extreme weather conditions that Britain is facing," they continued.
"With news of the Met Office’s current yellow weather warning, where temperatures are set to drop as low as -15 in parts of Britain, RoSPA is concerned that icy conditions could result in further harm," the society added.
Our hearts go out to all the families affected by this tragedy.
Published 10:49 15 Dec 2022 GMT
A six-year-old child has become the latest victim and fourth child to die after falling into an icy lake in the West Midlands, UK.
The incident occurred on Sunday (December 11), when a group of young children was playing on an icy lake following a snowy cold snap across the country. Per The Guardian, one of the boy's legs fell through the ice and, as the others tried to assist him, they fell through as well. Police and members of the public rushed to save the children, who were all pulled from the lake in cardiac arrest.
Reports have since revealed that the 10-year-old boy, Jack Johnson, had risked his own life trying to save the three other boys - none of whom he even knew.
According to the outlet, one police officer who tried to punch through the ice to reach the children was treated in hospital for mild hypothermia.
All four children - aged six, eight, 10, and 11 - were promptly taken to the hospital where the eldest three children "could not be revived," per the West Midlands Police, via The Independent. The youngest of the group had been fighting for his life and in a critical condition since then, however, sadly passed away on Wednesday (December 14).
West Midlands Police have since released statements on the devastating incident, saying: "It is with heartfelt sadness that we have to report this afternoon the six-year-old in hospital has lost his fight for life.
"Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy. We cannot comprehend the enormity of the pain they must feel and our hearts go out to them," they added.
A teenage girl had also tried to save the young boys with a broken tree branch after seeing them fall into the lake, telling ITV News Central (via The Independent) that she was on her way to meet a friend at a nearby park when she saw the group of children struggling in the lake after falling through the ice.
"I saw two boys in the water, I couldn't see the rest of them. I'm guessing most of them already fell into the lake," she said.
The Guardian reported that a search of the lake had continued in the days after the incident, following reports of up to six children falling in, but authorities confirmed on Wednesday that it is no longer a "search and rescue operation." There were no other casualties found and nobody else was reported missing.
"The searches have been completed and the scene of the incident at the lake will be lifted this evening," they said at the time.
Saqib Bhatti, a member of parliament for the constituency of Meriden, where the lake is situated, stated: "I'm saddened to learn the fourth child who was pulled out of the ice earlier this week did not survive. My heart goes out to the families in this difficult time. They are all in my thoughts and prayers."
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the community of Meriden at this devastating time.
Published 11:32 15 Dec 2022 GMT
Two of the children who died after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull have been identified as brothers.
On December 11, a rescue operation was launched after reports stated that up to six children fell in an icy lake at Babbs Mill Park, Solihull, per BBC.
Three boys aged 11, 10, and eight were confirmed to have died after going into cardiac arrest when they fell into the freezing water, while another boy - aged six - remains in critical condition in the hospital.
As reported by The Mirror, it has now been confirmed that two of the young boys - aged six and aged eight - are brothers who lost their lives in this tragedy.
The unnamed six-year-old boy became the fourth child to die in the tragedy yesterday, after fighting for his life in a critical condition since Sunday afternoon (December 11).
According to The Guardian, West Midlands Police confirmed the death of the youngest victim in an emotional statement, writing: "It is with heartfelt sadness we have to report this afternoon, the six-year-old in hospital has lost his fight for life.
"Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy. We cannot comprehend the enormity of the pain they must feel and our hearts go out to them," they continued.
After news of the six-year-old's death, it has now been revealed through a fundraiser for the "Little Princes" - which hit over £15,500 ($19,000) - that he is the younger brother of the eight-year-old that passed away in the early hours of December 12, per the Mirror.
The fundraising page read: "Our hearts are broken for the four Little Princes. On Sunday, 11th December 2022, a group of children played in a local park near an open lake.
"Sadly, Jack (aged 10) and a young boy (aged 11) lost their lives on Sunday, 11th December 2022. Another young boy (aged 8) passed away in the early hours of the morning on Monday, 12th December 2022," it continued.
"The younger brother of the 8-year-old, aged 6, remained in critical condition until Wednesday, 14th December 2022, when sadly, he gave up his fight and gained his wings," they wrote.
"No parent expects to lose their children so young, and sadly, no amount of money would ever place them back in our arms, but with our help, we can hopefully ease the worry of the financial costs they will need to meet," the fundraiser concluded.
As previously mentioned, one victim of the tragedy has been identified as Thomas after a friend left a note in his memory while another was also named locally as 10-year-old Jack Johnson. He reportedly attempted to save the other children that had fallen in when the ice cracked, per Daily Mail.
Tragically, the boys were pulled from the lake by police and fire crews in cardiac arrest due to the extreme cold, and the three older children could not be saved. The youngest child had fought for his life in hospital and died days later. Initial reports had suggested that up to six children had fallen in but police said no one else had been found or reported missing.
Many people in the local community have paid tribute to the young lives lost. Bouquets of flowers and cards have been left at the base of a tree near the northern entrance to the park.
Our thoughts continue to be with the families of the victims.
Published 11:32 12 Dec 2022 GMT
The UK's West Midlands Police has confirmed that three children have died after falling through ice on a lake in Solihull.
As reported by Sky News, authorities have confirmed the death of three boys aged eight, 10, and 11.
Police say that a fourth child - aged six - is currently in a critical condition.
A rescue operation was launched on Sunday (December 11) after reports that up to six children fell in the icy lake at Babbs Mill Park.
Officers were photographed wading into the lake with freezing waters coming up to their chests.
Tragically, West Midlands Police say the operation is "no longer a search and rescue operation", after reporting that four children were in cardiac arrest when they were pulled out of the lake.
Officials say those who lose their lives "could not be revived" despite being rushed to hospital and have not yet confirmed that anyone else is missing. The names of the deceased are also yet to be released.
Social media videos and reports from the scene claim the children had been playing on the ice when it caved in unexpectedly.
Police and members of the public were already in the icy water attempting to rescue the children who fell in when the West Midlands Fire Service arrived on Sunday, they confirmed.
West Midlands fire chief Richard Stanton said during a news conference on Sunday, via BBC, that they were told on arrival that up to six people had fallen into the lake, adding: "We have continued search operations in order to confirm whether there were any more in the water."
He later added that it would no longer be a "search and rescue operation", due to how cold the water is, the length of time they had been in the water, and the age of those who had fallen in.
Emergency services had been called shortly after 2:30 PM GMT on Sunday, with the first ambulance arriving at the scene in just seven minutes.
One officer from the West Midlands Police had also suffered "mild hypothermia" during the rescue mission and was taken to hospital as a "precaution".
The UK's Met Office warned of the dangers of frozen lakes during the cold spell, saying in a statement: "With temperatures set to struggle to get much above freezing over the coming days across much of the country, stretches of water such as rivers and ponds are at risk of freezing.
"While frozen rivers and ponds can be fascinating, they can be dangerous and a hazard to life."
Our thoughts go out to everybody affected by this tragedy.
Published 11:34 19 Dec 2022 GMT
Four boys tragically lost their lives after falling into a frozen lake in the UK in December, and the causes of death have now been revealed by the coroner.
The tragic news broke last week (December 11) that three children lost their lives after falling into an icy lake in Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, UK, and a fourth was in critical condition, but later also died.
It was reported that the boys suffered a cardiac arrest after falling into the freezing cold water and were rushed to hospital before passing away. They have been named as Finlay Butler, eight, his brother Sam Butler, six, their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, 10.
Six-year-old Sam fought for his life in the hospital but died on December 14. Via a statement on the West Midlands Police Facebook account, Finlay and Sam's parents, Daniel Butler and Gemma Haran, as well as Thomas' parents, Rebecca and Richard Stewart shared a statement.
They thanked the emergency services for their efforts in saving the boys, and also offered their condolences to Jack's family while asking for privacy in their time of grief.
Senior Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull Louise Hunt has now revealed that all four boys died from drowning. She referred to the incident as a "devastating tragedy" and concluded: "I think, in respect, it is fair to say they very sadly died from the effect of drowning," per the Sun.
Jack Johnson, 10, was also hailed as a hero after he lost his life in the lake while attempting to rescue the other boys who had fallen in, despite reportedly not knowing them.
Jack's aunt paid tribute to her nephew on Facebook, writing: "My nephew seen (sic) one go through the ice and he ran and tried to save them. We are just broken over it and to find out he died trying to save three lads he didn't even know, that just sums him up, he was amazing," as cited by the Daily Mail.
Supt Richard Harris from the West Midland Police also previously revealed the heroics of an officer who attempted to punch through the ice to get to the boys.
Speaking to reporters via the BBC, he said: "One of my officers was trying to punch through the ice to actually rescue the children themselves."
The officer suffered mild hypothermia but was released from the hospital after being taken in as a precaution.
Our thoughts are with the four boys, their families, and their friends.
4 min(s) read
3 min(s) read
4 min(s) read
3 min(s) read
.webp_vBqgAR?tr=cr-242.0.1293.1051,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
3 min(s) read
.webp_QQJmGo?tr=cr-345.0.1535.1190,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
.webp_QQJmGo?tr=cr-345.0.1535.1190,f-webp,q-70,w-100)
.webp_vBqgAR?tr=cr-242.0.1293.1051,f-webp,q-70,w-100)