Earlier this summer, Appanoose County, Iowa, faced a heartbreaking loss. Seventeen-year-old Ayden Beeson, a high school student and recently crowned Prom King, disappeared while swimming on June 26, 2024. Just an hour after being reported missing, rescuers recovered him from the water.

Immediate Response
The Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office acted swiftly. A 911 caller had reported a possible drowning at Rathbun Lake. Sheriff’s deputies teamed up with the Appanoose County Water Rescue unit, searching tirelessly. Sadly, the rescue ended in tragedy. Ayden’s body was recovered from 15 to 20 feet of water, and he was pronounced d**d at the scene.

A Beloved Student
Ayden was widely admired in the Centerville School District. A football team leader and accomplished tennis player, he had been voted Prom King prior to graduation. His kindness and warmth touched everyone around him.

“Such a great kid lost in the prime of his life is devastating for our community, for his family, and for the lives he was going to impact,” said Superintendent Mark Taylor. “He was kind to everyone. There wasn’t a single person he couldn’t be nice to.”