‘BEAUTIFUL boys’ – the families of three of the children who died after falling through the ice of the frozen Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull on Sunday (December 11) have paid tribute to them.
Brothers Finlay and Samuel Butler and their cousin Thomas Stewart were pulled from the freezing water and rushed to hospital, where Finlay, eight, and 11-year-old Thomas died a short time later.
Jack Johnson, 10, also died on Sunday, and six-year-old Samuel lost his fight for life yesterday (Wednesday December 14).
The parents of Thomas, Finlay and Samuel 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 news that Samuel 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.”
Extensive underwater searches were carried out and have now concluded.
Supt Rich Harris of West Midlands Police 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.”
