In Appanoose County, Ioha, tragedy struck earlier this summer when a high school student and Prom King was discovered deceased an hour after being reported missing.
On June 26, 2024, 17-year-old Ayden Beeson was swimming when he disappeared beneath the water’s surface and failed to resurface, according to reports.
The Appanoose County Sheriff issued an instantaneous press release, informing the public that a 911 caller had reported a potential drowning at Rathbun Lake. The County Sheriff’s Office and the Appanoose County Water Rescue team collaborated to locate Ayden; however, the tragic narrative concluded with a devastating conclusion.
The teen’s body is believed to have been recovered by the Water Rescue team in a depth of 15 to 20 feet. At the site, Ayden was declared deceased.
The tragedy was further exacerbated by the fact that the 17-year-old was reputed to be a well-liked figure in the Centerville School District. Ayden had been elected Prom King prior to his spring graduation, and he was an accomplished tennis player and football leader.
“The loss of such a remarkable young man in his prime is truly devastating for our community, the family, and the lives he was poised to influence.” Superintendent Mark Taylor stated, “He was a well-liked student who was very popular. There was not a single individual in that school to whom he did not feel he could be kind and empathetic.”
It was a privilege to serve as Ayden Beeson’s coach. Ayden was unafraid of rigorous labor and became the sole Big Red Tennis player.
The Centerville Community Schools’ Facebook page posted a message the day following his passing, expressing its “heartfelt” sorrow at the departure of one of their students.
The district acknowledged that Ayden was an engaged member of his school community and that he was well-known to both staff and students due to his “sincere kindness.”
Congratulations to the 2024 CHS Prom Royalty! From left to right: Olivia, Connor Stephens, Kayla Fagen, and Xander Jones
May you be at ease. Ayden Beeson.
