An hour after being reported missing, a high school student and prom king was discovered dead in Appanoose County, Ioha, earlier this summer. According to reports, on June 26, 2024, 17-year-old Ayden Beeson was swimming when he submerged beneath the water’s surface and did not rise.

After receiving a 911 call informing them of a potential drowning at Rathbun Lake, the Appanoose County Sheriff promptly issued a press release. The tragic tale was to finish tragically, despite the efforts of the Appanoose County Water Rescue team and the County Sheriff’s Office to find Ayden.

The teen’s body was reportedly found by the Water Rescue team from 15 to 20 feet of water. At the scene, Ayden was declared deceased.

The 17-year-old was reportedly well-liked in the Centerville School District, which added to the tragedy. Before his spring graduation, Ayden, a standout football player and skilled tennis player, had been elected Prom King.

“It is really terrible for our town, the family, and the individuals he was going to influence that such a wonderful child was taken in the prime of his life. There wasn’t a single individual in that school that he thought he couldn’t be polite and nice to, he was a popular kid that everyone liked,” Superintendent Mark Taylor said.

Being Ayden Beeson’s coach was an honor. Ayden became the sole Big Red Tennis player because he didn’t fear hard labor.Tyler Baze posted this on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The Centerville Community Schools Facebook page posted a statement the day after his death, expressing how “deeply saddened” they were to learn of one of their kids’ deaths.

Ayden was an engaged member of his school community, according to the district, which also mentioned that staff and students knew him for being “genuinely kind.”

To the CHS Prom Royalty of 2024, congratulations! From left to right: Olivia, Connor Stephens, Kayla Fagen, and Xander Jones