A 17-year-old high school student and prom king, reported missing
It was a day that started out like any other, but soon took a tragic and shocking turn for the Centerville community.
The disappearance of beloved high school senior and prom king Ayden Beeson became a heartbreaking reality when his body was found just an hour after he was reported missing.
A young athlete full of promise and potential disappeared while swimming at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County, and the ensuing search would end in unfathomable loss.
As his friends, family, and school community struggled to come to terms with the tragic event, they were faced with the untimely death of a young life that had so much ahead of it.
A tragic incident occurred earlier this summer in Appanoose County, Iowa, when high school student and prom king Ayden Beeson was found dead just an hour after being reported missing.
26 June 2024 A 17-year-old disappeared while swimming in Lake Rathbun, disappeared underwater,r, and failed to resurface.
In an official statement, the Appanoose County Sheriff confirmed they received a 911 call about a potential drowning. Despite the efforts of the Appanoose County Water Rescue Team and the Sheriff’s Office, the search ended in tragedy.
Ayden’s body was pulled from 15 to 20 feet of water and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The loss was especially devastating to the Centerville School District, where Ayden was a beloved figure. Known for his athletic ability, he excelled in both soccer and tennis. He was chosen prom king just before graduation in the spring.
Superintendent Mark Taylor expressed the community’s grief, saying: “The loss of such a wonderful child in the prime of his life is heartbreaking for everyone – his family, our community and everyone whose lives he would have touched. He was nice to everyone and everyone liked him. There wasn’t a single person in the school that he didn’t go out of his way to be nice to.”
Ayden’s tennis coach also shared how proud they were of Ayden, noting that he became the school’s best tennis player because of his dedication and hard work.
Centerville Community Schools posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook the day after his death, expressing their deep sorrow and recognizing Ayden’s contributions to the school community. He was remembered by teachers and students for his “genuine kindness” and his active participation in school life.
The tragic loss of Ayden Beeson has deeply affected the Centerville community and left a void that will be difficult to fill. A promising young man with a bright future ahead of him, Ayden was not only a talented athlete, but also a kind and compassionate individual who touched the lives of everyone he met. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and his memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his family, friends,ds, and classmates.
