Earlier this summer, a high school student and prom king was found dead in Appanoose County, Ioha, an hour after being reported missing.
On June 26, 2024, 17-year-old Ayden Beeson was swimming when he reportedly went under the water’s surface and did not come to the top.
A news statement was released immediately by the Appanoose County Sheriff after they received a 911 call about a possible drowning at Rathbun Lake. Despite the efforts of the Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office and the Appanoose County Water Rescue team to locate Ayden, the tragic story was to end tragically.
According to reports, the Water Rescue team discovered the teen’s body in 15 to 20 feet of water. Ayden was pronounced dead at the spot.
The tragedy was exacerbated by reports that the 17-year-old was well-liked in the Centerville School District. Ayden, a talented football player and tennis player, had been chosen Prom King prior to his spring graduation.
“That such a wonderful child was taken in his prime is truly awful for our town, the family, and the people he was going to influence.” He was well-liked by everyone at that school, and he didn’t think he couldn’t be kind and courteous to anyone,” Superintendent Mark Taylor stated.
It was a privilege to coach Ayden Beeson. Because he didn’t mind hard work, Ayden became the only Big Red Tennis player.This was posted on Thursday, June 27, 2024 by Tyler Baze.
The day following his passing, a message was released on the Centerville Community Schools Facebook page, stating that they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of one of their children.
The district stated that staff and students know Ayden for being “genuinely kind” and that he was an active member of his school community.
Congratulations to the 2024 CHS Prom Royalty! Olivia, Kayla Fagen, Connor Stephens, and Xander Jones, from left to right
