Near the lake where three boys perished on Sunday after falling through ice are dozens of poignant floral tributes.
Today, somber locals have continued to gather to leave tributes close to Babbs Mill Park in Solihull.
Ten-year-old Jack Johnson was one of the boys who perished; according to his aunt’s Facebook post, he ‘run and attempted to rescue’ three other children, who were on the frozen lake when the ice cracked and were ages six, eight, and eleven.
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.
A number of the bouquets contained cards with Jack dedications, while others contained cards with the inscription: “To my friend Thomas.” 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 really miss you.
Rest in peace, Thomas, someone else remarked. With love, Earl
“To Thomas: Without you, the world won’t be the same” “Thomas, may you rest in peace.” 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.
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.
»Heartbreaking tributes to Solihull tragedy victims«