Boys lost in icy lake gone but never forgotten

Jack Johnson, Finlay and Samuel Butler and their cousin Thomas Stewart died

It is a year since four boys drowned after falling through frozen water at Babbs Mill in Kingshurst, Solihull. Residents are still coming to terms with the tragedy but said their community's response had given them hope.

They were just doing what children do - skimming stones and feeding ducks at their local park.

But one innocent act would unleash tragedy on a quiet residential estate.

The four boys, like many before them, decided to walk onto a frozen lake before they fell through and died trying to save each other.

Brothers Samuel and Finlay Butler, six and eight, lost their lives along with their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, 10.

The deaths on December 11, 2022, stunned a close-knit neighbourhood which joined forces to support the families involved.

Tens of thousands of pounds were donated to help relatives, mountains of flowers and teddy bears were laid in tribute and community groups whirred into action to provide support for those on the ground.

The deaths of four children stunned the close-knit estate

A year later, and the moment people first heard about the tragedy will be hard to forget.

"It sticks in my mind so much," said Cieran Flaherty, head teacher of nearby St Anthony's Catholic Primary School.

"Knowing Babbs Mill is literally opposite the school I was just thinking, selfishly, 'I'm praying it's not one of our pupils'."

When it became apparent St Anthony's pupil Jack was involved, Mr Flaherty had to tell staff members that night.

Memorial garden

Jack was known as the St Francis of his class because of his love for animals and nature, Mr Flaherty explained.

The affectionate label led pupils to create an outdoor memorial garden to remember the four boys.

Featuring a sculpture of three birds and hand-decorated stones, it has become a space for children and family members to reflect.

The idea for the birds was conceived after pupils spotted a flock near the school's prayer garden days after the tragedy.

"The children felt that was the presence of Jack," Mr Flaherty said.

Head teacher Cieran Flaherty standing beside a memorial created by pupils

In the aftermath of the tragedy, tributes to the boys shed light on their sweet personalities.

Samuel loved fire engines and spending time with his family.

Thomas enjoyed going on his bike and making new friends at the park.

Finlay was popular at school because he would give Pokémon cards to children who didn't have any.

Flowers were placed at what has become a permanent shrine to the four children

Mr Flaherty, who attended St Anthony's as a pupil before becoming head, said the way the community had come together was "amazing".

He described Kingshurst, a post-war estate about eight miles from Birmingham, as economically deprived.

But he said it had more compassion and empathy than anywhere else.

"We're going to be affected by this forever," he added.

"It's changed all of us, I think."

A permanent mural to the four boys near the scene

Fresh flowers were laid near the scene of the accident as the grim milestone approached last week.

The area has become a permanent shrine to the four youngsters, with a spray painted mural and a wooden plaque reading: "Lost but not forgotten."

Beneath the artistic tribute, there are four stars in block paving to represent each boy.

'Tragedy rarely mentioned'

Marcus Brain, a former borough councillor who grew up in the area, told how emotions were still raw.

"People are not generally talking about it but it's one of those things that's obviously very deeply embedded in the local community," he said.

Mr Brain added he knew some relatives personally and had been left deeply upset.

But he said he had been left hopeful by the unity shown by those living in the area.

The community came together to leave tributes following the accident

The Pavilions, a social club on nearby Meriden Drive, was among the organisations that opened their doors to the public in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Angela Nelson, who ran the club for several years, said she remembered the way residents pulled together.

"There is still great sadness," she said. "I think for the people that are there locally they still feel it."

Kamren Whyte, who gave out hot drinks and food to residents with his church group on multiple freezing nights, said he had found it too difficult to return to the park.

"I don't think there is a day that goes by where we don't think about those boys," he said.

"They are always in our minds."

Free swimming clubs

Senior Coroner Louise Hunt ruled each boy died as a result of a tragic accident, with a Solihull Council review also finding nothing more could have been done.

But the devastating event could still have a positive legacy beyond that of strengthening community ties.

While the families involved have never spoken publicly, Samuel and Finlay's mum recently praised swimming and water safety breakfast clubs being hosted at schools across Birmingham.

"Just attending one of these sessions could have saved one of my children's lives," she told a local Facebook page.

Local MP Saqib Bhatti has pushed for a curriculum shake-up and improved water safety education while West Midlands Fire Service routinely urges people to keep away from frozen water.

Area Commander Richard Stanton has said picturesque lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs can be lethal in the winter months.

“We would ask parents and carers to remind their children of the dangers of ice and why they must keep off it," he said.