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.
