6-YO ‘Lost His Fight for Life’ After Falling Through Cracked Ice in Frozen Lake | 3 Boys Who Were With Him Also Died

The Solihull lake tragedy that began on a Sunday when four kids playing in the frozen Babbs Mill lake fell into the water while attempting to help one of the boys who had his leg stuck, has claimed many lives.

Police and bystanders dove into the lake in an impromptu attempt to save the four youngsters, who were in cardiac arrest when they were retrieved. In the hospital, three of the boys—ages 11, 10, and 8—died as soon as they were brought. The six-year-old boy was in the hospital battling for his life, but according to police sources, he is now the fourth child to pass away.

On Wednesday evening, per The Guardian, West Midlands police issued a statement, saying, “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.”

One of the boys, Jack Johnson, was being hailed as a hero because he jumped in to save the other kids. His aunt, Charlotte McIlmurray, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, honoring her nephew. My nephew saw one go through the ice and he ran and tried to save them,” she wrote. “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.”

After trying to reach them by breaking through the ice, one police officer was hospitalized and given treatment for mild hypothermia. The officer was a student police officer in his early 20s who had been on one of his first operational rotations, according to Rich Cooke, chair of the West Midlands police federation.

Police officially stated on Wednesday that their search was over after they couldn't find any more individuals. The police had been searching the lake since Sunday since some witnesses and reports suggested up to six individuals may have fallen in. However, no other children have been reported missing. “The searches have been completed and the scene of the incident at the lake will be lifted this evening,” West Midlands police said.

Saqib Bhatti, MP for the constituency of Meriden, where the lake is situated, said in a statement, “I’m saddened to learn the fourth child who was pulled out of the ice earlier this week did not survive. My heart goes out to the families in this difficult time. They are all in my thoughts and prayers.”

People have been paying respect to the children this week at the lake, where a beautiful memorial has been built to honor the victims. A sizable cluster of flowers, candles, and toys has been growing at the site since Sunday. On Wednesday, Tyrone Mings, an England international and Aston Villa player, was among those who went to the monument. “It was a personal decision to pay our respects. I think it’s impacted the whole city,” he said. “We felt it was important to come down on a personal level just to show that support.”

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/dec/14/six-year-old-boy-becomes-fourth-child-to-die-after-fall-into-solihull-lake

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Christopher Furlong