A family holiday took a sorrowful turn when 13-year-old Anna Beaumont from Cardiff, Wales was found lifeless in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. The incident took place at around 11:30 AM on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. After being rushed to a local hospital in a critical state, Anna unfortunately succumbed the next day.
Anna was a Year 8 student at Radyr Comprehensive School in Cardiff. She was on a family trip to Discovery Cove, a popular all-inclusive resort noted for its interactive marine life encounters, which include dolphin swims and tropical fish snorkeling. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement of condolences, while the county medical examiner determined drowning as the cause of death.
In response to the tragic event, Discovery Cove, part of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment group, released a statement: “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 added that they would not make any further comments in order to respect the family’s privacy.
The loss of Anna has deeply affected Radyr Comprehensive School. Headteacher Andrew Williams expressed: “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 with an email detailing the support plans they have put in place for students. They emphasized the importance of providing an open ear to the students and encouraging them to express their emotions during this challenging period.
The UK Foreign Office has also stepped in, offering consular assistance to the Beaumont family. A spokesperson confirmed, “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 tragic event has cast a shadow over Discovery Cove, a favorite among tourists for its unique marine experiences. The park’s focus on creating unforgettable memories sharply contrasts with the heartrending experience the Beaumont family has undergone.
As the investigation progresses, the Cardiff community mourns the untimely loss of a young life. Anna is remembered by her friends and family as a lively and kind-hearted girl whose presence brought happiness to many. In this time of sorrow, the school and the local community are rallying to provide support to the affected, ensuring that no one has to wade through their grief alone.
