A family holiday took a tragic turn when 13-year-old Anna Beaumont from Cardiff, Wales was found unresponsive in a swimming pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida.
The incident occurred approximately at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Subsequently, Anna was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical state, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Anna, an eighth-grade student at Radyr Comprehensive School in Cardiff, was vacationing with her family at Discovery Cove. The resort, known for its all-inclusive animal experiences such as dolphin encounters and tropical fish snorkeling, witnessed the unfortunate incident. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences in a statement and confirmed the cause of death as drowning, as per the county’s medical examiner.
Discovery Cove, a part of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment family, released a public statement in response to the incident: “Our thoughts are with this family. Staff attended to an emergency involving a guest and administered care until emergency personnel arrived. Once the emergency team was on the scene, they assumed care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital.” They also stated that they would refrain from further comments in order to respect the family’s privacy.
Radyr Comprehensive School, where Anna was a student, is grappling with the loss. Headteacher Andrew Williams stated, “The idea of losing a child is an unimaginable ordeal, and on behalf of the entire school community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Anna’s family as they cope with their loss. Anna was a beloved member of our school, and her absence will be deeply felt by students, staff, and everyone who knew the young girl. Her spirit, kindness, and presence left a lasting impact on many lives.”
The school has reached out to parents via email outlining their plans to support students, highlighting the importance of listening to and encouraging the students to express their feelings during this challenging time.
The UK Foreign Office is also providing assistance, offering consular support to the Beaumont family. A representative 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.”
The incident has cast a pall over Discovery Cove, a favorite tourist spot known for providing unique marine experiences. The park’s focus on creating memorable experiences stands in stark contrast to the Beaumont family’s recent tragedy.
As investigations continue, the Cardiff community mourns the loss of Anna, remembered by friends and family as a vibrant and kind-hearted individual.
