Poignant scenes as hundreds attend vigil for Babbs Mill Boys who died after falling into Solihull lake

A candlelit vigil was held to remember four boys who died after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull. The tragedy happened at Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, West Mids, last Sunday (Decmber 11).

Jack Johnson, ten, passed away after bravely trying to save Finlay Butler aged eight and his brother Sam, aged six, and their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11.

Flowers and toys including from Aston Villa and Birmingham City football clubs were left. The vigil was held today (Saturday, December 17)) to support the family, friends and wider community as people wanted to pay tribute to the youngsters.

One attendee told BirminghamWorld that more events are being planned. Chelsea said: “The community is very close adn we communicate very well. This vigil won’t be the only thing we do.”

Solihull Council erected a fence around the lake where the boys fell in. A vigil was held the day after the tragedy where three boys died, while six-year-old Sam lost his fight for life later in the week.

Tributes have been paid to the youngsters across the country and world - including from the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer in the House of Commons.

Nearby St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, where Jack was a pupil, closed on Monday and reopened on Tuesday. Pupils at the school have held a memorial service for the boys. Superintendent Richard Stanton said on Monday: “We are deeply saddened by the death of the three boys who were rescued by our fire fighters yesterday, here at Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull.

“The boys deaths are a tragedy beyond words and our thoughts and our heartfelt sympathies, along with West Midlands Fire Service are with their families, friends and the wider community at this distressing time."