L-R Fin, Sam, Tom.
(Picture: Family Handout)Tributes have been paid to three “beautiful” boys from the same family who died plunging into a freezing lake.
Brothers Finlay, 8, and Samuel Butler, 6, and their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, were pulled from the freezing water and rushed to hospital where Finlay and Thomas died a short time later.
Ten-year-old Jack Johnson, whose aunt claimed ran into the lake to save them, also died on Sunday. Police announced that Samuel the youngest boy lost his fight for life on Wednesday.
All the boys were reported to have died after suffering cardiac arrest.
The grieving parents said in a statement: “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 sad news that Sam 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.”
The three boys went to Babbs Mill Park in Kinghurst to feed the ducks before falling through the ice, a family friend told Mail Online.
They were eventually pulled out by specialist water rescue-trained firefighters. One policeman, on one of his first-ever patrols, punched through ice to try to reach the boys.
One relative Josh Butler posted to Facebook before the death of Samuel: “I don’t even know how to even start this or even put it into words but as we know have lost 3 beautiful children but I’m unfortunately too [sic] inform other family members and friends who may[be] don’t know but that was [sic] our beautiful kids [.]
“Once again thank you everyone for the love and support and please hug and kiss your loved ones [.]
“None of us know what is around the corner.”
West Midlands Police said extensive underwater searches have now concluded.
Supt Rich Harris 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.”
Hundreds of floral tributes and toys have been left at a site near the lake.
Jack’s aunt Charlotte McIlmurray said he had bravely entered the water to rescue the three other boys.
She posted on Facebook to thank the tight-knit community who held a vigil at the park. She said: “Our family is all over the place but we all appreciate every prayer, apology and condolence to us. Thank you, you are all being amazing.”
One of the boys’ father and a passing dogwalker were the first to enter the lake after the boys, according to a crowdfunder raising more than £25,000 for the families of the ‘Babs Mills Princes’.
Witness Oliwia Szewc, 13, told ITV News she used tree branches to try and pull the boys out, but they were not long enough to reach them.
She said: “I was just trying my best to think of different ways to at least help them or do anything for them to float on the surface of the water so they wouldn’t drown.
She said she dialled 999 in a panic to direct paramedics as she saw a man she thought was a relative jump into the water after them.
Oliwia added: “He jumped into the frozen lake and cut up his legs but couldn’t really do anything because he was putting his own life at risk. He didn’t go any farther because the police held him back.”
The teenager said one of the boys’ mother arrived and was “in a panic” as police officers tried to break up the ice.
She said paramedics begged locals for coats and blankets in a desperate attempt to revive the boys who were eventually been pulled out.
The teenager added: “I gave my coat, my friend gave her jacket. We were just kind of praying that the boys would be all right. I was willing to give up anything just at least to save one of them.
“It was just horrifying and I was just clueless because I tried to help but I couldn’t but I tried my best.”
A vigil for the victims who are being described as the ‘Babbs Mills Boys’ is scheduled at the park for Saturday at 4pm.
