On June 26, 2024, a devastating scene unfolded at Rathbun Lake, shaking a small community. The police rushed to the lake after receiving an urgent 911 call reporting a possible drowning.
They found Ayden Beeson, a 17-year-old high school student, unconscious and struggling for life. Despite their best efforts, Ayden couldn’t be saved. His death remains shrouded in mystery, leaving a heartbroken community searching for answers.
Ayden was a beloved figure—a star athlete, the reigning Prom King, and a young man admired by everyone who knew him. His sudden passing has left a profound sadness among his friends, family, and the whole town.
The Appanoose County Sheriff quickly released a statement about the tragic event. The call came in around 6:13 p.m., reporting that Ayden had gone underwater at Buck Creek swimming beach and hadn’t resurfaced. The Appanoose County Water Rescue team joined the Sheriff’s Office in a desperate search for the missing teenager.
By 7:33 p.m., rescuers had found Ayden’s body in 15 to 20 feet of water. The Appanoose County Medical Examiner pronounced him dead at the scene. Now, the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office is helping investigate what led to this tragic incident.
Ayden was a cherished member of the Centerville School District. According to Superintendent Mark Taylor, Ayden was not only a leader on the football field but also a prominent figure in school life.
Taylor described Ayden as a “great kid,” and his loss is a huge blow to the community. “He was someone who was still going to touch many lives,” Taylor said, emphasizing the deep impact Ayden had on those around him.
In addition to football, Ayden played tennis and had been voted Prom King before graduating in the spring. Taylor spoke about how Ayden’s kindness and popularity made him a standout student. He had worked for the school district during summers, which gave Taylor a chance to know him well.
On June 28, 2024, the school district opened its doors to the community, allowing everyone to pay their respects. Darcie Whitlow, a crisis response counselor from the Great Prairie Education Agency, was on hand to offer support. Whitlow explained the importance of having counselors available during such times. “It’s crucial for people to have someone to talk to who isn’t trying to fix their problems but is there just to support them,” she said.
The entire southeast Iowa community rallied together to show their support. Schools in nearby towns wore black and red—Centerville’s colors—to honor Ayden. Superintendent Taylor noted, “Even though we have rivalries on the sports fields, when a tragedy strikes, the community comes together.”
The day after Ayden’s death, his coach, Tyler Baze, posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. Alongside photos of Ayden, Baze shared how it was an honor to coach him.
“Ayden was the only Big Red Tennis player in recent history to place in the top 6 in conference all four years of high school,” Baze wrote. “But more than his athletic achievements, Ayden’s greatest quality was just being himself.”
Baze highlighted Ayden’s passion and kindness, noting how he was loved by all his coaches and teachers. “He gave everything he had on the field, court, or in the classroom,” Baze said. He ended his post with a touching message: “I’m thankful for getting the opportunity to know such a person. RIP Ayden. Love, The Chain Tickler.”
The Centerville Community Schools also posted a tribute on their Facebook page. They expressed their deep sadness over Ayden’s passing, highlighting his role as an active member of the school community. “He was genuinely kind and treated everyone with respect,” the district wrote. Ayden had spent the last two summers helping with maintenance work at the school, and he was remembered as a dedicated and hard worker.
Ashley Edwards, a close family friend, also shared her grief on Facebook. With numerous photos and videos, Edwards described how deeply Ayden would be missed. “So many tears have been shed for Ayden,” she wrote. “His loss has left a void in our lives.”
Edwards called Ayden “amazing” and said he was like family to her. “He treated our home like his own and was always willing to help,” she recalled. Edwards’ son, Carsyn, was close to Ayden, and their family had many wonderful memories with him.
Edwards expressed her sadness, saying, “Only the good die young,” and wished they could have been there to prevent the tragedy. She described it as a “horrible bad dream” and expressed her sorrow, saying Ayden will “forever be missed.”
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