MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Jack Johnson: Boy, 10, dies a hero after diving into frozen lake to save children who fell through ice

Jack Johnson, 10, tragically died alongside two other children who fell through into the icy waters of Babbs Mill Lake in Solihull

BY SAMYUKHTHA L KM

UPDATED DEC 13, 2022

Police search frozen lake where 3 children died after falling into icy water (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images and Facebook)

SOLIHULL, UNITED KINGDOM: Jack Johnson, 10, has been hailed as nothing short of a hero for jumping into a lake very quickly to save three boys he did not know at Solihull. The valiant boy has sadly lost his life after the incident which took place on Sunday, December 11. Family members and members of the community paid emotional tributes and have said that they are "devastated" by his death.

Johnson’s aunt Charlotte McIlmurray had said that the boy had ‘ran and tried to save’ the other children who were drowning- the drowning boys are currently believed to be part of the same family. Of the three boys, two boys, aged 11 and 8 have died and one boy, aged 6, has survived. He is hospitalized and remains in critical condition.

Uthej Kunta and Shiva Kelligari: Two Indian students drown in St Louis lake over Thanksgiving weekend

Flowers are left at the scene as emergency workers continue the search for further victims after a number of children fell through ice on a lake, on December 12, 2022 at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, England. Three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 have died after falling through an icy lake last night. The search continued for more potential victims, following reports more children were present on the ice at the time of the incident. — Flowers are left at the scene as emergency workers continue the search for further victims after a number of children fell through ice on a lake, on December 12, 2022 at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, England. Three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 have died after falling through an icy lake last night. The search continued for more potential victims, following reports more children were present on the ice at the time of the incident (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

McIlmurray had paid tribute to her nephew and said, “The 10-year-old boy is my nephew. He seen one go through the ice and he ran and tried to save them.” She then added, “Our prayers and thoughts are with the other family. We are just broken over it. To find out he died trying to save three lads he didn’t even know, that just sums him up. He was amazing.” She went on to talk about how this tragic incident is a "nightmare that two families can’t wake from" and added that the pain is "unimaginable."

She also acknowledged the loss of the other family, and said that their pain must be a "million times worse." Another anonymous relative had also said, “It has been the most devastating day in our family’s life.” A member of the community, who had come for a vigil that was held for the boys has deemed the incident a "tragedy beyond words."

Emergency workers continue the search for further victims after a number of children fell through ice on a lake, on December 12, 2022 at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, England. Three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 have died after falling through an icy lake last night. The search continued for more potential victims, following reports more children were present on the ice at the time of the incident. — Emergency workers continue the search for further victims after a number of children fell through ice on a lake, on December 12, 2022 at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull, England. Three boys aged eight, 10 and 11 have died after falling through an icy lake last night. The search continued for more potential victims, following reports more children were present on the ice at the time of the incident (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

A spokesperson for Downing Street has issued a statement regarding the tragedy, according to The Scotsman. “Obviously this is devastating news for the family and friends of those who have died, this is a tragic incident," the statement reads. "The Prime Minister’s thoughts are with them and obviously he passes his thanks to the emergency services who are continuing to work and provide support.”

The locals of the area had all come forward to hold vigil and pay tribute to the deceased young boys at Babbs Mill Park, according to a report by Daily Mail. Flowers, balloons and candles were placed at a tree at the park, which is located near Birmingham. A friend of Thomas, one of the boys who passed, had a note that was dedicated to him that said, “To my friend Thomas. Thanks for being there for me when I was sad. Thanks for lending me your jacket when I was cold. You were like a brother to me. I miss you so much.”