A 10-year-old boy called Jack Johnson died after slipping into an icy lake, Jack Johnson, 10, was one of the boys who perished after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull; his neighbors claimed he had been playing on the ice, MailOnline can report.
At 2.30 p.m. yesterday, Jack and three other boys, ages 6, 8, and 11, who had suffered cardiac arrests after falling through the ice at Babbs Mill Park, were brought to the hospital in critical condition.
Police announced today at a press conference close to the scene of the disaster that the young kid and two other boys could not be saved and that the six-year-old remained in critical condition in the hospital.
Jack and the other kids were “playing on top of the frozen lake when the ice shattered,” a neighbor told MailOnline. In photos, he can be seen climbing a tree and grinning with his father.
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Jack and the other boys decided to go play because they could see snow falling from the flats.
When the ice cracked, they played on the frozen lake in the park after running across the street. Jack was a cute young man. His father Kirk I know. He is heartbroken. My sympathy is with him.
Many floral tributes left today near the scene, some of which listed Thomas as one of the victims.
To my friend Thomas, one said. I appreciate you being there for me when I needed you. I appreciate you lending me your jacket when I needed it.
You were like a brother to me, it continued. I miss you.
Rest in peace, Thomas, someone else said. With love, Earl
An earlier memorial service for one of the deceased youngsters was held at a school.
One of our students has passed away,’ said Marcus Brain, the chairman of the board of governors at neighboring St Anthony’s School, to Birmingham Live.
Although I have spoken to the family, I am communicating with them via the school.
The school has been shuttered for regular classes, but according to him, it is still open if students wish to come in.
The personnel is utterly saddened, the governor continued. The boy was a gorgeous young man. Everybody is shattered. All of us are in disbelief; what occurred is incredible.
According to reports, the dead lads did not all attend the same school.
Superintendent Richard Harris of the West Midlands Police was visibly moved as he described how an officer had to receive treatment for moderate hypothermia after trying to break through the ice to save the lads during a press conference today.
He claimed, “One of my cops was trying to break through the ice to rescue the kids himself.”
Due to this, the officer had minor hypothermia yesterday.
Instead of using specialized gear, the officers who first arrived on the scene entered the lake wearing their regular clothes.
The cop who underwent treatment for hypothermia, according to Superintendent Harris, is now “totally OK” and has been discharged from the hospital.
The relatives of the kids who fell into the lake, he continued, are “totally distraught.”
“Also this time of year, it’s on the run-up to Christmas, so close to the event itself, adds to that sadness,” the officer told the media.
But as you may expect, the families are completely distraught, so we’re doing everything we can to help them.
As for how much information the families want us to share with the media at this time, we are certainly obedient to their demands, therefore we are doing everything in our power to support them.
During the crews’ attempts to save the kids, members of the public also dove into the lake.
Richard Stanton, the local commander for the West Midlands Fire Service, said the deaths of the three youngsters who fell into the lake served as a “stark warning” of the perils of open water.
“Yesterday’s incident is a clear reminder to us all of the risks of open water, especially during the winter months,” he stated at the press conference.
There are no clearer warnings of this than yesterday’s tragic occurrences, which demonstrate how dangerous frozen lakes, ponds, canals, and reservoirs can be despite their attractive appearance. We kindly request that parents and caregivers remind their kids about the perils of ice and the reasons they should avoid it. Please assist us in preventing this from occurring again.
Following rumors that as many as six children may have been involved, searches of the lake are currently being conducted to see whether any further youngsters may have fallen into the water.
However, according to the authorities, no communication indicates that anyone else is missing.
Before ending their searches, Superintendent Harris stated that police want to be “100% positive” that no one else is in the lake.
Today, dozens of people in mourning have been placing flower offerings close to the area.
An earlier floral tribute featuring a white ribbon tied as a flower and set by a crew of firefighters wearing protective overalls were seen close to Babbs Mill Lake.
The flowers were accompanied by a letter that said, “With sincere condolences.” Boys, rest in peace. Sheldon Red Watch’s love.
After receiving praise from multiple residents for saving the children, the seven firefighters had a brief moment to contemplate before leaving the area.
Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, was one among those who paid tribute. His was accompanied by a card that said, “Such a tragedy. My heart breaks for the families that lost their most priceless possession.
May Kingshurst unite to remember them, and their young lives rest in peace.
Katie O’Driscoll, a local woman, and her daughter, who is five years old, also left flowers at the scene.
Everyone with children can relate to how devastated our neighborhood feels, the mother of four remarked. Since we live in a small neighborhood, we will know the kids because everyone here cares. It has an impact on everyone. It’s tragic and awful.
Firefighters previously stated that the ongoing searches are more of a “recovery than a rescue.”
Late yesterday, specialized police divers were observed diving into the ocean while lit only by torches.
The ice split beneath two children, reportedly under twelve, when they were playing on it.
As a result, their buddies allegedly ran onto the lake to try to aid them, only to get themselves into trouble.
At the time of the occurrence, local temperatures are said to have dropped to 1C (34F), then overnight, they dropped to -3C (26F).
Nearby St. Anthony’s Primary School announced today that it had been shuttered and asked people to “keep those affected in your prayers.”
Witnesses reported seeing emergency personnel “smashing through” the lake’s surface ice as the first responder’s dove into the water to save the nearest child.
Saqib Bhatti, a member of parliament from Meriden, paid a visit to the scene at Babbs Mill Lake today and commended the emergency services for their valiant efforts in saving four youngsters from the water.
“There is one cop who has minor hypothermia,” the MP told reporters. It takes courage to pursue those children without considering your safety in these circumstances. The (search) operation continued all night in these incredibly challenging circumstances. The entire community will feel the pain of this. Just hoping for some positive news.
Ian Courts, the leader of Solihull Council, and deputy leader Karen Grinsell declared: “This is about as bad as it gets… a terrible scenario.” What has happened has entirely taken us by surprise. More information is still forthcoming. The families affected by this event deserve our best wishes and prayers. It’s difficult for me to fathom what the families must endure.
