Birmingham City manager among those leaving tributes to boys who fell into the lake
Three children lost their lives in the incident, one is still in hospital
Last updated 13th Dec 2022
Tributes are being paid to the three young boys who lost their lives after falling into the freezing lake in Babbs Mill Park in Kingshurst, Solihull.
Overnight dozens more bunches of flowers, balloons, and children’s toys have been left at the foot of a tree near the lake, which has become a focal point for a community in mourning in Kingshurst.
Birmingham City Football Club head coach John Eustace was one of those who laid flowers near the lakeside, on behalf of all those at the football club.
Mr Eustace, who was born in Solihull, laid a floral wreath of blue and white at the foot of a tree which has become the focal point of mourning near Babbs Mill Lake.
The wreath had a card which read: “Sending our deepest condolences and love to those affected by this tragedy.
“You are in our thoughts. From everyone at Birmingham City Football Club.”
After laying the wreath, Mr Eustace stood for a moment, in silence, before leaving.
Tributes being paid
People of all ages have been arriving throughout Tuesday to pay their respects to the three boys who died.
Some had brought child’s toys, or sweets, to leave, others had balloons or bouquets.
The messages on the hundreds of cards told their own story, with several addressed to the “Babbs Mill Boys”.
One read: “You will never be forgotten boys, our three Kings of Kingshurst.”
Numerous bunches of flowers left near the scene included tributes from the emergency services, the NHS, local politicians, Marston Green FC and friends of the three boys.
Relatives speak of 'unimaginable pain'
A relative of one of three young boys who died after falling into an ice-covered lake has spoken of the unimaginable pain faced by the youngsters’ families.
The aunt of one boy who is reported to have been trying to save others who fell into Babbs Mill Lake, used a social media post to thank members of the community for their support.
In a post on social media, Charlotte McIlmurray, described the tragedy as a “nightmare”, adding “that two families can’t wake from the pain is unimaginable”.
“He was my nephew, so I know the pain is a million times worse for their moms, dads, sisters/brothers,” she added.
What happened at Babbs Mill Park?
West Midlands Police said on Monday that three boys aged 11, 10 and eight had died after falling into the lake on Sunday.
The three boys were taken to hospital after being pulled from the water but could not be revived.
A fourth boy, aged six, was in a critical condition in hospital.
Emergency services were called to Babbs Mill Park in Kingshurst, a nature park in Solihull, at 2.36pm on Sunday, with reports that children had been playing on the ice and had fallen through into the lake.
Divers from Nottinghamshire Police searched Babbs Mill Lake through the night after it was thought 2 people might still be missing after 4 others were rescued after falling through the thin ice and taken to hospital.
Rescue crews also searched the water at Babbs Mill Lake by boat through the night.
As searches at the lake continued to look for the possibility that anyone else had been in the water, it was confirmed that three of the four boys who had been rescued had sadly died.
Police confirmed that three boys, aged 11, 10 and 8 years old, who were rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water, couldn't be revived.
In a briefing later on Monday, Police and Fire bosses said while they continued to search the lake, there were no other children reported missing at this time.
They also described rescue efforts of both the public and officers first on scene, one of whom had to be treated for hypothermia after trying to punch through the ice as part of a rescue attempt.
Dozens of floral tributes and teddies have started to be laid for the three boys who died after falling into a frozen lake in Solihull.
A group of firefighters were among those to visit the scene near Babbs Mill lake on Monday 12th December.
Floral tributes, balloons, soft toys and lighted candles were left by mourners who gathered at the vigil held in Kingshurst on Monday night.
Birmingham City Football Club head coach John Eustace was one of the many who continued to pay tribute on Tuesday. He laid flowers near the lakeside, on behalf of all those at the football club.
Mr Eustace, who was born in Solihull, laid a floral wreath of blue and white at the foot of a tree which has become the focal point of mourning near Babbs Mill Lake.
A vigil was held on the Saturday after the incident. Hundreds gathered to pay their respects. A minute silence was held, and candles were lit in memory of the boys.