The tragic death of a high school student, Ayden Beeson, has left a community heartbroken and searching for answers. On what seemed like a normal workday, police were urgently called to a scene where they found the 17-year-old unconscious. Despite their best efforts, Ayden couldn’t be saved, leaving everyone stunned and grieving.

Ayden was more than just a student; he was the reigning Prom King, a talented athlete, and a beloved member of his community. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but the impact on those who knew him is undeniable.

On June 26, 2024, the Appanoose County Sheriff released a statement revealing that at 6:13 p.m., officers received a 911 call about a possible drowning at Rathbun Lake near the Buck Creek swimming beach. Ayden had gone under the water and never resurfaced. The Appanoose County Water Rescue team, along with the Sheriff’s Office, immediately launched a search.

After an hour of searching, 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 understand what happened.

Ayden was a significant figure in the Centerville School District. Superintendent Mark Taylor spoke fondly of him, calling him a leader both on the football field and in the school hallways. “Losing Ayden is a devastating blow to our community,” Taylor said. “He was a great kid, and he had so much more to give.”

In addition to football, Ayden played tennis and was voted Prom King before graduating in the spring. Taylor shared that Ayden was known for his kindness and popularity, and he had worked for the school district during the summers, getting to know many people.

To honor Ayden’s memory, the school district opened its doors on June 28, 2024, for community members to pay their respects. Darcie Whitlow, a crisis response counselor from the Great Prairie Education Agency, was present to support those struggling with the loss. She emphasized the importance of having someone to talk to during such difficult times. “It’s crucial for people to have a space where they can grieve and express their emotions,” Whitlow said.

The tragedy united the community of southeast Iowa. Schools in neighboring towns showed their support by wearing black and red, Centerville’s colors. Superintendent Taylor noted that while there are often rivalries between towns on the sports field, “When something like this happens, we all come together.”

The day after Ayden’s death, his coach, Tyler Baze, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook. He posted old photos and expressed how much of an honor it was to coach Ayden. “Ayden wasn’t just a hard worker,” Baze wrote. “He was a great athlete and an even better person.”

Baze highlighted Ayden’s accomplishments, mentioning how he 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 what stood out most, according to Baze, was Ayden’s genuine character. “He was the kind of kid every coach and teacher loved,” Baze said. “He gave his all, whether on the field, court, or in the classroom.”

Baze ended his tribute with a touching note: “I’m grateful for the chance to know such an amazing person. RIP Ayden. Love, The Chain Tickler.”

The Centerville Community Schools’ Facebook page also honored Ayden, describing him as a “genuinely kind” person who treated everyone with respect. The school district shared that Ayden had spent the last two summers working as a maintenance worker, helping prepare the school for the fall. They described him as a hard worker who left a positive impression on everyone he met.

Ashley Edwards, another person deeply affected by Ayden’s passing, also shared her grief on Facebook. She posted photos and videos of Ayden, expressing how much he would be missed. “There’s been so many tears for Ayden,” she 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 played with her son Carsyn and his siblings. She shared that Ayden had a special bond with her family, and they would forever cherish the memories they had 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 they could somehow reverse it. “It feels like a horrible bad dream,” she wrote. “Ayden will never be forgotten and will forever be missed.”

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