Four youngsters, ages six to eleven, who sadly perished after slipping into a frozen lake have been identified and photographed today.
At Babbs Mill Nature Reserve in Solihull on Sunday afternoon, brothers Samuel, 6, and Finlay Butler, 8, along with their 11-year-old cousin Thomas Stewart and hero Jack, who ran in to try to save the kids, all drowned.
In a last-ditch effort to save the kids, the father of one of them dove into the chilly water alongside a dog walker and a student police officer.
The family of Finlay, Samuel, and Thomas has now paid tribute to their “wonderful boys,” calling their death “devastating.”
Thomas’ older brother similarly remembered his sister as a “lively little soul” and cousin “who liked dinosaurs so much”
The parents said: “As a family we are saddened at the loss of our lovely boys Tom, Fin, and Sam under such tragic circumstances,” according to a statement from West Midlands Police.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the community for their tremendous support as well as to the emergency services for their efforts in saving the boys.
“We would like to pass on our condolences to Jack’s family at this very sad time, and ask for privacy from the media to begin to grieve.”
Thomas’ brother previously wrote: “Thomas was such a lively little soul, he had a big heart for such a young kid and he was so beautiful. He loved being outside playing with his mates.
The results of extensive undersea searches are now known.
“This is a tragedy beyond words and a loss that is indescribable for the family and friends of the boys,” said superintendent Rich Harris.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming, not just for the bereaved families, but also for the emergency services, for which we are extremely grateful.
“Our officers will remain in the area in the coming days. Please come and speak to us if you need to.”
For the family of the four boys, a formal fundraising has also been organised, and as of this writing, it has raised more than $23,000. It has the support of the families concerned and has been posted online by many family members.
“Our hearts are torn for the four Little Princes,” the GoFundMe website declares.
“On Sunday, 11th December 2022, a group of children played in a local park near an open lake. Being children and adventurous, they forgot the dangers taught by their parents and risked going onto the icy lake.
“Four boys fell through the ice and into the lake. The frantic father of one of the lads and a dog walker entered the lake to try and help the boys. The emergency and rescue services arrived promptly and began the rescue.
“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.
“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.”
Brave Jack fell in while attempting to save the other kids, and he died as a hero.
No parent expects to lose their children at such a young age, and regrettably, no amount of money could ever bring them back into our arms. However, with our assistance, we may hopefully lessen their anxiety about the expenses they will have to pay.
On Monday night, a candlelight vigil was conducted in memory of the victims, and another will be held this Saturday at 4 p.m.
Anyone wishing to pay their respects should assemble where flowers are being laid on Fordbridge Road, according to Jack’s aunt Charlotte McIlmurray.
