Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Tragedy struck a small community in Waukee, Iowa, as nine-year-old Cub Scout Aiden James-Harrison Smith lost his life after falling through the icy surface of a pond near his family’s new home. The incident occurred on Saturday, just two weeks after the Smith family had moved to the area.
Aiden, described as a “curious” and “kind” young boy, had ventured off to explore the neighborhood before he was scheduled to go see a movie with his grandfather. It was during this time that he fell into the pond, unbeknownst to his parents who were unaware of its existence. A concerned neighbor noticed Aiden’s shoes near a hole in the ice and immediately raised the alarm.
Aiden’s family, devastated by the loss, shared heartfelt images of the smiling boy and paid tribute to his loving nature and intelligence. His father, Mark Smith, expressed the guilt he and his wife have experienced since the incident, questioning if they could have done something differently. Despite the pain, they found solace in the outpouring of support from their community, with many praising their parenting.
The Smith family had recently purchased their “dream house,” not realizing the hidden danger of the nearby pond. Aiden’s grandfather revealed that they had never known about the pond’s existence because it was situated behind a hill, making it invisible from their vantage point.
Aiden was a talented athlete, participating in Waukee’s football and baseball leagues. He was also an active member of the Cub Scouts and harbored dreams of becoming a Boy Scout. The Waukee Youth Football team expressed their sorrow at losing a valuable teammate and friend.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend to help cover the funeral costs. The community has rallied together, raising over $27,000 so far. A makeshift memorial has been created on the pond’s banks to honor Aiden’s memory.
As the family prepares for the funeral, the community stands in solidarity, offering support and comfort during this difficult time. Aiden’s short life had a profound impact on those around him, and his loss serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.