Solihull: photos released of brothers & cousin who died in Babbs Mill Lake tragedy

All four children who perished in the Solihull frozen lake tragedy have been named locally - including two brothers and their cousin.

Finlay Butler, age eight, and his brother Sam Butler, six, along with their 11-year-old cousin Thomas Stewart, are understood to have gone to feed ducks at Babbs Mill Lake when the ice gave way and they fell into the freezing water.

The fourth victim has been named as Jack Johnson. The 10-year-old has been hailed a “hero” after he rushed onto the ice to help the three boys and fell into the lake. Finlay, Thomas and Jack all died on Sunday in hospital but Sam fought for his life in intensive care before he lost his battle yesterday (Wednesday, December 14).

Brothers Finlay and Samuel Butler and their cousin Thomas Stewart were pulled from the freezing water and rushed to hospital where eight-year-old Finlay and 11-year-old Thomas died a short time later. Ten-year-old Jack Johnson also tragically died on Sunday. Sadly six-year-old Samuel lost his fight for life yesterday (14 December).

Parents release photos of Finaly, Sam and Thomas, and family tributes

Their parents have said: “As a family we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful boys Tom, Fin and Sam in such tragic circumstances. We would like to thank the emergency services for all they did in rescuing the boys and to the community for their support, it has been overwhelming.

“We would like to pass on our condolences to Jack’s family at this very sad time, and ask for privacy from the media to begin to grieve.”

Thomas’ older brother paid tribute to him and his cousin ahead of the sad news that Sam had died. He wrote: “Thomas was such a lively little soul, he had a big heart for such a young kid and he was so beautiful. He loved being outside playing with his mates. I love you Tom, big bro will take care of the family and I will see you soon. Make sure you keep practising on warzone and get a win, will you?

“Can’t forget about my dinosaur man Fin, he loved dinosaurs so much and always showing me new things he built on Minecraft and all the new stuff he learnt on it. Gonna miss you little man.”

West Midlands Police Superintendent, Rich Harris, said: “This is a tragedy beyond words and a grief that is unimaginable for the families and friends of the boys.

“The support from the community has been overwhelming, not just for the bereaved families, but also for the emergency services, for which we are extremely grateful. Our officers will remain in the area in the coming days. Please come and speak to us if you need to.”