The tragic death of 17-year-old Ayden Beeson has left a small community in shock and deep sadness. Ayden, a high school student, was found unconscious at Rathbun Lake on what seemed like an ordinary day, but despite the best efforts of rescuers, he could not be saved. The mystery surrounding his sudden death only adds to the grief felt by everyone who knew him.
Ayden wasn’t just any student—he was the reigning Prom King, an athlete, and someone loved by everyone who crossed his path. His passing has left a void in the hearts of many, and tributes have poured in from those who were close to him.
On June 26, 2024, the Appanoose County Sheriff released a statement detailing what happened that evening. At around 6:13 p.m., a 911 call was made reporting a possible drowning at Rathbun Lake, near the Buck Creek swimming beach. Ayden had gone underwater and didn’t resurface. The Appanoose County Water Rescue team, alongside the Sheriff’s Office, quickly launched a search to find him.
Tragically, at around 7:33 p.m., the Water Rescue team recovered Ayden’s body from 15 to 20 feet of water. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Appanoose County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office is now helping with the investigation to determine exactly what happened.
Ayden was a well-known and loved figure at Centerville High School. Superintendent Mark Taylor shared how Ayden was a leader both on the football field and in the school hallways. “Losing Ayden is devastating for our community,” Taylor said. “He was such a great kid, and it’s heartbreaking to think of all the lives he would have touched in the future.”
Besides football, Ayden was a talented tennis player and was voted Prom King just before his spring graduation. Taylor spoke about Ayden’s kindness and popularity, noting that he got to know Ayden well because Ayden worked for the school district during the summers.
On June 28, 2024, the school district opened its doors to allow community members to pay their respects to Ayden. Darcie Whitlow, a crisis response counselor from the Great Prairie Education Agency, was there to support those struggling with the loss. “Having someone to talk to during times like these is so important,” Whitlow said. “It’s not about solving anything, but just being there to listen and support.”
In the days following Ayden’s death, the entire southeast Iowa community rallied together to show support. Schools in neighboring towns wore black and red—Centerville’s school colors—to honor Ayden’s memory. Superintendent Taylor remarked, “We may have rivalries on the football and baseball fields, but when something like this happens, we all come together.”
Ayden’s coach, Tyler Baze, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook the day after Ayden’s death. Posting old photos, Baze wrote about the honor it was to coach Ayden. “Ayden wasn’t just a hard worker,” Baze said. “He was an exceptional athlete and an even better person.”
Baze highlighted Ayden’s achievements, mentioning that Ayden was the only tennis player in Centerville’s modern history to place in the top six in the conference all four years of high school. But more than his athletic abilities, Baze admired Ayden’s character. “He was the kind of student every coach and teacher dreams of,” Baze said. “He gave his all, whether on the field, the court, or in the classroom.”
Baze concluded his post with a touching note: “I’m grateful for the chance to have known such an incredible person. RIP Ayden. Love, The Chain Tickler.”
The Centerville Community Schools’ Facebook page also paid tribute to Ayden, describing him as a “genuinely kind” person who treated everyone with respect. The district shared how Ayden had spent the last two summers working as a maintenance worker, helping to prepare the school for the new year. They remembered him as a hard worker who always did his best.
The district’s message ended by saying their thoughts were with Ayden’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Another person who shared her grief on Facebook was Ashley Edwards, a family friend. She posted numerous photos and videos of Ayden, expressing how deeply he would be missed. “So many tears have been shed for Ayden,” Edwards wrote. “His loss has left a void in our lives.”
Edwards described Ayden as “amazing” and said he was truly part of their family. He was always welcome in their home, where he would play with her son Carsyn and his siblings.
She shared that Ayden had a special bond with her family, and they will always cherish the memories they have with him. “Ayden was like a brother to Carsyn,” Edwards said. “We’ll miss him forever.”
Edwards ended her post by reflecting on the tragedy, wishing there was a way to bring Ayden back. “It feels like a horrible bad dream,” she wrote. “Ayden will never be forgotten and will forever be missed.”
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