West Brom comeback star Jed Wallace pays tribute to children who died in Solihull lake disaster

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jed Wallace this evening paid a touching tribute to the three children who lost their lives in the recent tragedy at a frozen lake in Solihull. Wallace, who was the man of the match as the Baggies came from behind to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, was in as good form off the field as he was on it.

His message referred to the three boys who died after falling into a freezing Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, on Sunday afternoon. West Midlands Police confirmed on Monday morning that the boys, aged eight, 10 and 11, were “rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water” but “sadly could not be revived”. A fourth boy, aged six, remains in critical condition.

“I live in Solihull and it’s been tough seeing what’s happening there,” Wallace told Sky Sports. “For everyone at West Brom, the fans, the players, the staff – we want to send our best to everyone’s family and all those involved in the incident. It’s been a tough couple of days.

“Of course, we lost our beloved club doctor [Julian Widdowson] which was hard for us all, especially the medical team. We wanted to get a win for him today. For the fans who travelled in these conditions - thanks to them for following us and now we can carry on climbing up the league table.”

Fellow Baggies star Daryl Dike was alongside Wallace as he sent out the message live on television. The American striker grabbed his first goal of the season on the night - the winner which helped Carlos Corberan’s side to a fourth successive victory in the Sky Bet Championship.

Dike nodded in agreement as Wallace paid his tribute to those involved in the Solihull tragedy. He also had his own words for Widdowson, who passed away on Sunday, aged 63. “He’s someone I built up a bigger relationship with,” Dike told Sky Sports. “What happened recently [with Widdowson and in Solihull], it hits home. It makes you think to cherish and spend time with your loved ones. You never know what’s going to happen. Live in the moment.”