Tragedy at Rathbun Lake: Community Mourns Loss of Prom King Ayden Beeson

The Centerville community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Ayden Beeson, who drowned at Rathbun Lake on June 26, 2024. A beloved high school student, athlete, and recently crowned Prom King, Ayden was swimming when he went missing. Despite immediate rescue efforts, his body was recovered an hour later from 15–20 feet of water.

Ayden was widely admired for his leadership, athletic talent, and kindness. He played football and tennis, and was known for his uplifting spirit and ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Superintendent Mark Taylor described the loss as “devastating,” saying, “He was kind to everyone. There wasn’t a single person he couldn’t be nice to.”

The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for water safety awareness at Rathbun Lake, a popular recreational site with a history of past incidents.

Though gone far too soon, Ayden’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched with his warmth, humility, and unwavering kindness.