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.