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Solihull: Four boys who died after falling into a frozen lake named

Family ‘devastated at the loss of our beautiful boys’ after tragedy

Zoe Tidman
Thursday 15 December 2022 18:29 GMT
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Firefighters lay flowers close to Solihull lake where three boys died

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Four boys who died after falling into a frozen lake have been officially named.

Brothers Samuel and Finlay Butler, aged six and eight, both died in the tragedy, as well as their 11-year-old cousin Thomas Stewart, West Midlands Police said.

Ten-year-old Jack Johnson also lost his life.

The four boys fell into an icy lake in Babbs Mill Park, West Midlands, on Sunday.

Tributes have been flooding in since three of the boys, who have now been named as Finlay, Thomas and Jack, died on Sunday.

Six-year-old Samuel died later on Wednesday after spending days in critical condition.

Police shared an image of the brothers, as well as their cousin, as they officially named the boys as victims of the tragedy on Thursday.

Finlay and Samuel Butler, and their cousin Thomas Stewart died in the tragedy
Finlay and Samuel Butler, and their cousin Thomas Stewart died in the tragedy (West Midlands Police)

A statement from parents 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.”

It added: “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, speaking in tribute, said: “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?”

He added: “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.”

Superintendent Rich Harris from 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.”

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