Heroism and tragedy in Solihull following the deaths of three boys in Babbs Mill Lake

Community member speak to BirminghamWorld and pay tribute to the young boys how lost their lives after falling into freezing waters on Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull - as a fourth, aged six, fights for his life
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An unfathomable tragedy here at Babbs Mill Park in the lead up towards Christmas. Three boys lost their life after falling through the ice on the lake. Tributes have been paid from across the country, as a shell shocked community here mourns such a painful loss of young life.

David says: “I think everyone deep down is a bit numb really. I myself live in Spain, I’ve got three boys who are grown up now. I can’t imagine what the families are going through really.”

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Darren says: “The sadness that’s gone on in this community - it’s really, really sad. As you can see by the flowers, and you can see what they’ve done. The neighbours stick together. As sombre as what’s going on - it won’t just be for a short period of time as this goes on. It’s going to last.”

A community devastated following the tragic passing of three boys who fell through the ice into the lake here at Babb Mills Park in Solihull. As another six year old boy fights for his life, people pay tribute to the boys who lost their lives.

Said to be playing on the ice before one of the boys got their leg stuck, his friends went to save him before falling in themselves. One of those boys - the ten year old - has been named as Jack Johnson and labelled a “hero” by those who witnessed the tragic event for trying to save the other boys who he didn’t know, entering the lake himself, before tragically perishing.

David shares his thoughts on the tragedy in Kingshurst David shares his thoughts on the tragedy in Kingshurst
David shares his thoughts on the tragedy in Kingshurst

Acts of heroism mark this painful event - where countless members of the emergency services entered the freezing cold lake without any special protective equipment, disregarding their own wellbeing in a desperate attempt to save the lives of children.

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The families have of course been left devastated following the accident, but an immeasurable agony is shared across a whole community, shocked by such a tragedy so close to Christmas.

Tributes have been paid from across the whole country, with mourners leaving toys, flowers, candles and meaningful messages in tribute to the boys. Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street left his floral tribute, with the words “such a tragedy, so unnecessary”, later applauding the heroism of the first responders.

Darren shares the mood in the community following the passing of three young boys in Babbs Mill lakeDarren shares the mood in the community following the passing of three young boys in Babbs Mill lake
Darren shares the mood in the community following the passing of three young boys in Babbs Mill lake

The 6 year old boy who was saved by emergency services is still said to be in critical condition and remains in hospital. Fortunately, as things stand West Midlands Police have said there is nothing to suggest there are any other victims. Initial reports did suggest there were six children on the lake at the time of the incident. and police have affirmed they will continue to search until they know for certain.

West Midlands Police have said they are doing everything they possibly can to support the families as they mourn the loss of these three young boys.

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