A 13-year-old girl from Cardiff has tragically died during a family trip to Orlando, Florida. US officials reported that the teenager, named Anna Beaumont, was found unresponsive in a pool at the Discovery Cove theme park on Tuesday, 28 May.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated that Anna was taken to hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away the following day. Discovery Cove issued a statement to local media regarding the incident: “Our staff responded to an emergency involving a guest yesterday (May 28). Our team provided care and contacted Orange County Fire & Rescue. When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital. Out of respect for the privacy of our guests, we do not provide any health information. Our thoughts are with this family.”
Discovery Cove, a sister park of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando, allows visitors to interact with animals, including swimming with dolphins.
In a statement shared with the BBC, Andrew Williams, headteacher at Radyr Comprehensive School where Anna was a student, said: “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. Anna was a cherished member of our school family, and her absence will be profoundly felt by pupils, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit, kindness, and presence touched so many lives.”
A Foreign Office spokeswoman stated: “We are in touch with the family following the death of a child in the United States, and are providing consular support during this difficult time.”
