Earlier this summer, tragedy hit Appanoose County, Iowa, when a 17-year-old high school student and Prom King was found dead just an hour after being reported missing.
On June 26, 2024, Ayden Beeson was swimming when he disappeared under the water and never resurfaced. A 911 call reported a possible drowning at Rathbun Lake. The Appanoose County Sheriff and the Water Rescue team quickly launched a search, but sadly, the outcome was heartbreaking.
The rescue team found Ayden’s body in 15 to 20 feet of water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ayden was a popular student in the Centerville School District. He was a leader on the football field, a talented tennis player, and had been voted Prom King before his spring graduation.
Superintendent Mark Taylor expressed the community’s grief, saying, “Losing such a great kid in the prime of his life is devastating. He was kind to everyone, really popular, and there wasn’t a single person at school he couldn’t be nice to.”
Ayden’s coach shared a heartfelt tribute, saying Ayden wasn’t afraid of hard work and was a standout player. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
The day after Ayden Beeson’s passing, the Centerville Community Schools shared a heartfelt message on their Facebook page, expressing that they were “deeply saddened” to learn about the loss of one of their beloved students.
The district highlighted Ayden’s active involvement in the school community and emphasized how he was known and appreciated by both staff and students for his “genuinely kind” nature.
Ayden’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him, with many remembering him as a kind and positive presence in the school.
Michael Jackson’s Son “Blanket” Debuts New Nickname in Search of New Identity
Michael Jackson’s youngest child, Prince Michael Jackson II, known widely as “Blanket” for many years, made a significant personal decision to change his nickname after more than a decade. Born in 2002 via surrogate, Prince Michael Jackson II earned the nickname “Blanket” due to his father’s habit of covering him with a blanket to shield his identity and maintain privacy.
This nickname followed him throughout his early life, but by 2015, he chose to rebrand himself as “Bigi” Jackson. The decision marked a new chapter in his life, reflecting his desire to move away from the legacy of his childhood nickname.
Although Bigi is the son of one of the most iconic figures in music history, he has shown little interest in following in his father’s musical footsteps. Instead, he has emerged as an advocate for environmental causes, particularly focusing on the pressing issue of climate change. In a 2021 interview, Bigi spoke about his commitment to addressing climate change and the importance of raising awareness about this global challenge.
During the interview, Bigi expressed his admiration for the history and creativity that surrounded his father’s work, while also emphasizing the need to contribute positively to the world. He stated, “That’s what each of us want to do, make some things that people hopefully enjoy but also that benefit their lives.” His passion for climate activism reflects a deep concern for the environment and a sense of responsibility toward future generations.
After the death of Michael Jackson in 2009, Bigi, along with his siblings Prince Michael Jackson I and Paris Jackson, was raised by their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. Today, Bigi lives independently in a mansion in California.
Public reaction to Bigi’s name change and his dedication to climate activism has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many have praised him for his resilience in coping with the loss of his father and for his commitment to making a difference in the world. Supporters have expressed their admiration for his choice to focus on climate change and have wished him well in his endeavors.
Despite his famous lineage, Bigi has openly admitted that he does not possess his father’s talent for singing or dancing. Instead, he is channeling his energy into raising awareness about environmental issues, and encouraging others to take action to combat climate change.
As Bigi Jackson continues to carve out his own path, he remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world, all while stepping out from the shadow of his father’s legacy.
Leave a Reply