Brit girl, 13, died after 'epileptic seizure' in swimming pool on family holiday

12 June 2024 , 11:35

503     0

Anna was just 13 when she died (Image: PA)

A schoolgirl who died after being found in a pool at Discovery Cove in Florida is believed to have suffered an epileptic seizure before drowning, an inquest heard today.

Superfit athlete Anna Beaumont was found unconscious in the water at the Orlando resort, where she had been on holiday with her parents Peter and Elizabeth and brother Jake. The inquest in Pontypridd, South Wales, heard 13-year-old Anna had been in the pool when her father heard the lifeguard's whistle just after 10.30am on Tuesday, May 28.

The hearing was told that Anna's father realised it was his daughter who was in trouble and rushed to the scene where lifeguards were attempting to resuscitate her. She was taken to Arnold Palmer hospital in Florida but she died on Friday, May 31. The coroner's court heard that following a port-mortem examination at the hospital, the cause of death was given as drowning and seizure disorder.

Anna Beaumont was a keen cyclist (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Anna with her dad (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

Patricia Morgan, area coroner for South Wales Central, said a date would be set for a full inquest once further investigations into the circumstances around Anna's death and her past medical history had been undertaken. She told the court "I wish to take this opportunity to express my condolences to Anna's family at this sad time."

Anna was a super fit cyclist like her father Peter who trains triathletes, and had raised £900 for the Noah's Ark children's hospital with an Ironman ride next to her dad. Her family, of St Fagans, Cardiff, said in a statement: "Anna was a beautiful soul who has been taken from us in a tragic accident. We are devastated by her loss, but she will never be forgotten. We would like to thank the emergency response teams and hospital staff in Orlando who tried so hard to save Anna's life."

Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip

Anna with her mum (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

She was also a "talented" member of a local rowing club and had a keen interest in sports along with the rest of her family. Colleagues of mum Elizabeth, who works at Cardiff University, were described as devastated at her loss. Trevor Wing, Chairman Llandaff rowing club said Anna was "a keen rower who had been training hard all winter and was enjoying the recent water sessions".

He added: "She was a lovely and talented young lady and will be greatly missed. All the junior section and the rowing club wish to express their heartfelt condolences to Anna's family."

Anna attended Radyr Comprehensive where the headteacher Andrew Williams called Anna "a cherished member of our school family". Mr Williams: "The very thought of losing a child is an unimaginable journey and I know I speak on behalf of the whole school community when I say that our thoughts are with Anna's family as they try to come to terms with their loss."

The inquest was adjourned.

Kelly-Ann Mills