Numerous memorials to the three boys were left, including a sorrowful inscription that identified Thomas as one of the victims of the Solihull lake tragedy.
Flowers, notes, and teddy bears are just a few of the tributes that have been left at the lake in Babbs Mill Park, where three boys aged eight, ten, and eleven died on Sunday after falling through ice.
One of the men addresses a particular youngster by name, saying, “To my buddy Thomas.” I appreciate you being there for me when I needed you. I appreciate you giving me your jacket when I needed it.
Jack Johnson, age 10, was among the other boys who perished; according to his aunt’s Facebook post, he ‘run and attempted to help’ three other kids, including a six-year-old, who were on the frozen lake when the ice cracked.
Police and fire personnel were able to rescue all four youngsters from the lake, but the three elder kids were not able to be rescued. In the hospital, the six-year-old continues to be in serious condition.
Members of the emergency services, the NHS, politicians, the local football club Marston Green FC, and friends of the three lads have all placed memorials at the site.
There were many flowers with cards for Jack.
Thomas was mentioned further in the message, saying, “You were like a brother to me. I really miss you.
Rest in peace, Thomas, someone else remarked. With love, Earl
Children’s toys, including many teddy bears with the words, “RIP lovely angels,” were also positioned at the improvised monument. I adore Sienna.
John Eustace, the head coach of Birmingham City Football Club, put flowers along the lake on behalf of everyone in the team.
Mr. Eustace, a Solihull native, placed a blue and white flower wreath at the base of the tree that has become the focus of sadness next to Babbs Mill Lake.
Sending our sincere sympathies and compassion to all impacted by this tragedy, the note accompanying the wreath stated.
“You are in our minds.” on behalf of the whole Birmingham City Football Club.
Mr. Eustace placed the wreath and then stayed there for a little period of time before departing.
The aunt of Jack expressed her gratitude to the neighborhood’s supporters in a social media post. She described the relatives of the children’s suffering, which was unfathomable.
Jack’s aunt Charlotte McIlmurray wrote about the tragedy in a message on social media, calling it a “nightmare” and saying “that two families can’t wake from the agony is incomprehensible.”
When he saw one break through the ice, my nephew sprinted to try to rescue them. He was fantastic, and we are absolutely saddened over it to learn that he died attempting to rescue three boys he didn’t even know,” she added.
I know the agony is a million times harder for their mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers because he (Jack) was my nephew, she said.
The rescue services, the NHS, local officials, Marston Green FC, and friends of the three lads all laid memorial bouquets close to the area.
West Midlands Police Superintendent Richard Harris said during a press conference held on Monday at a Babbs Mill nature reserve entrance that one officer attempted to break through the ice while working on the rescue.
He required moderate hypothermia treatment but made a complete recovery.
Dale Hewitt, a family acquaintance, reported hearing that the boy’s grandpa, Peter, “went down from where he lives and leapt in the lake to attempt to rescue them,” as he put it.
It’s absolutely devastating for the family, and it will have a significant effect on the whole community, he said.
“What occurred is terrible.” My two children, who are six and eleven months old, definitely influence me.
I heard these cries for “rescue” coming from the lake on a video captured from one of the tower buildings. It was excruciating.
Last night, the grieving people of Solihull came together for a vigil to remember the lads.
On the ice, where the kids were having fun, something gave way. One got their legs trapped on the ice, and when his buddies tried to assist him, they all fell in, according to Tommy Barnet, 10, who spoke to Sky News.
When firemen arrived to save the boys, they were all having cardiac arrests. Members of the public also jumped in to assist.
Up to six children may have fallen in, according to the first reports, but police said no one else had been seen and no one had reported any children missing.
Dan Hall, 38, saw the tragedy play out from his apartment building’s proximity to a natural preserve.
I heard the sirens at about 2.30 p.m., he said. A girl of approximately 13 years old and her younger sister were waiting as I began walking toward the lake.
The elder girl was attempting to calm the younger girl down by asking her not to think that way because she was screaming, “My brother, my brother,” over and over again.
“I saw a police officer emerge wet from the water.” Present were several frantic individuals there.
A police officer was consoling a guy who could have been the father of one of the children. He was in an awful condition.
I went back to my apartment to collect some towels and jackets after seeing them remove the first two kids from the water.
According to him, the kids played in the water for 10 to fifteen minutes. At the moment, it was around 1C (34F), but the night before, it had dropped to minus 3C.
Mother-of-four With her five-year-old daughter, 32-year-old Katie O’Driscoll yesterday lay flowers at the site. I know one of the families involved, she added. He was the first person to be retrieved from the lake, at age 11, but he is no longer with us.
“I heard that the others tried to save him by going inside.” It is really difficult to comprehend what those parents must be going through. It is quite depressing, particularly before Christmas.
A dog walker also in to provide assistance. Nothing less from those living here, I would think. We have a really close-knit community.
The lake, according to her, is “no more than five feet deep,” and she said, “I believe now they should install railings all around it.” Railings are present, although just in one tiny area.
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