Featured Image Credit: Sam Holiday/Alamy
Topics: UK News
Anish Vij
Topics: UK News
A six-year-old boy has become the fourth child to die after falling through ice while playing at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, West Midlands on Sunday (11 December).
West Midlands Police said: “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.”
The six-year-old, who was in a critical condition in hospital, has sadly passed away and tragically joins the the three other boys aged eight, 10 and 11.
On Sunday (11 December), the three boys were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water.
“Sadly, they could not be revived and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this deeply devastating time. We’ll have specialist officers offering them as much support as we can,” police said at the time.
One officer was treated for mild hypothermia after trying to punch through ice in an effort to rescue them from the lake, police said.
“Police officers did go into into the water,” Superintendent Richard Harris of West Midlands Police said.
“They were joined by other members of the other emergency services. Some of the officers went in waist-deep.
“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. I’m pleased to say that he’s now been released from hospital and he’s absolutely fine.”
The family of the 10-year-old boy, Jack Johnson, said he bravely went into the lake to try and help the other children.
Jack’s aunt, Charlotte McIlmurray, wrote on Facebook: “The 10-year-old boy is my nephew. He seen one go through the ice an he ran an tried to save them.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the other family. We are just broken over it.
“To find out he died trying to save 3 lads he didn’t even know, that just sums him up. He was amazing.”
Tributes from the emergency services, the NHS, local politicians, Marston Green FC and friends of the three boys, have been left near the scene.
Several bouquets had cards dedicated to Jack, while others paid tribute to another boy by name, saying: “To Thomas, The world will not be same without you” and "Thomas, rest in peace. Love from Earl."
Children’s toys were also placed at the makeshift shrine, including several teddy bears with the message: “RIP beautiful angels. Love Sienna.”