A British schoolgirl has tragically died after being found unconscious in a swimming pool at a Florida theme park.
Anna Beaumont, 13, died just two days after she was found in Discovery Cove on Tuesday around 11:25 a.m.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies rushed to the theme park, which is a sister park to SeaWorld.
The Welsh teenager was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but a medical examiner’s report concluded after her death that she died in a drowning accident.
Staff at her Radyr Comprehensive school in Cardiff paid tribute today, with headteacher Andrew Williams calling Anna a “cherished member of our school family”.
Anna Beaumont, 13, found unconscious at Discovery Cove theme park in Orlando
Anna Beaumont, 13, died just two days after being found in Discovery Cove
Mr Williams said: “The mere thought of losing a child is an unimaginable journey and I know I speak on behalf of the entire school community when I say our thoughts are with Anna’s family as they try to cope. accept his loss.
“Anna was a valued member of our school family and her absence will be deeply felt by students, staff and all who had the privilege of knowing her. His spirit, kindness and presence touched so many lives.
In an email to parents, the school said it would update staff on how to best support students in the coming weeks following the loss of the year 8 student.
He urged them to “listen to them and encourage them to talk about their feelings.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the family following the death of a child in the United States and are providing consular support during this difficult time. »
Discovery Cove describes itself as an “all-inclusive day resort” on its website and says it offers the chance to swim with dolphins and snorkel among tropical fish. It is a sister park to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando.
In a statement, police said: “We are sorry to report that on May 29, 2024, 13-year-old Anna Beaumont was pronounced dead in hospital. Any information on the cause and manner of his death must come from the medical examiner’s office.
A spokesperson for the venue said its “staff responded to an emergency involving a guest” and contacted Orange County Fire & Rescue.
“When paramedics arrived, they took over treatment and transported the guest to a nearby hospital. Our hearts go out to this family and, out of respect for their privacy, we will not make further comments.
The drowning tragedy comes after fellow student Aryan Ghoniya, also 13, died while playing in the Taff River with friends after school two years ago.
Aryan – nicknamed the “little professor” by his family – was found in the water 55 minutes later by emergency services.
Aryan gained a following on TikTok after posting a video naming 109 countries which was viewed over a million times.