**Tributes Paid as Cardiff Teen Anna Beaumont Dies in Snorkelling Tragedy During Holiday in Orlando**
A vibrant and much-loved Cardiff schoolgirl, Anna Beaumont, has tragically passed away following a snorkelling accident while on a family holiday in Florida. The 13-year-old, described by loved ones as a “beautiful soul”, died after being found unresponsive in a resort pool, an inquest has heard.
Anna, a student at Radyr Comprehensive School, was enjoying a half-term break at the Discovery Cove resort in Orlando with her family on 28 May last year. The holiday quickly turned to tragedy when Anna was discovered in distress in the water. Emergency medical teams arrived swiftly and transported her to the Arnold Palmer Hospital, where, despite best efforts, she died the next day.
The inquest, held at Pontypridd coroner’s court, was told that Anna was a confident swimmer and had been snorkelling alongside her father in a large, natural-style pool featuring both shallow and deep areas, coral reefs and rocky features. Coroner Kerrie Burge explained that, at one point, Anna’s father moved away to check on her younger brother. Approximately ten minutes later, Anna was seen floating, unresponsive, without her snorkel, and with blood and water present in her mask.
Rescue efforts were immediate, with pool staff and emergency responders commencing resuscitation actions at the scene. Tragically, Anna never regained consciousness after being admitted to hospital, ultimately losing her fight for life on 29 May, according to official statements presented during the inquest proceedings.
Details also emerged regarding Anna’s medical history. She was diagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy in 2016, but had remained seizure-free for three years and had discontinued her medication in December 2021 under medical advice. The inquest noted that while a small risk of seizures did remain, she had not had any further episodes since her treatment ended, and she was reportedly in good health prior to the incident.
Coroner Burge confirmed that neither those present at the scene nor subsequent medical investigations found any evidence to suggest Anna had suffered a seizure while in the water. Tests performed at the hospital, as well as post-mortem examination reports, did not reveal any indication of seizure-related activity. “Anna died following immersion in water. It is not possible to establish, on the balance of probabilities, how Anna came to be in difficulties in the water,” the coroner concluded.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from both family and school community. In a heartfelt statement released after the hearing, Anna’s family called her “a beautiful soul who has been taken from us in a tragic accident”. They expressed deep gratitude to the emergency teams and hospital staff who fought to save Anna’s life, and asked for privacy as they continue to mourn their “irreplaceable” loss.
Radyr Comprehensive’s headteacher, Andrew Williams, also paid tribute to the teenager, calling her a “cherished member of our school family”. He added: “Her spirit, kindness and presence touched so many lives. The very thought of losing a child is an unimaginable journey and I know the whole school community is thinking of Anna’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”
The circumstances surrounding Anna’s death have naturally raised questions, but the inquest was categorical in stating that it remains unclear exactly how she came to be in distress in the pool. This uncertainty has only added to the heartbreak felt by her loved ones, friends and schoolmates.
This incident is a sombre reminder of the unpredictable nature of accidents, even in supposedly safe and supervised environments. While nothing can bring Anna back, her legacy, as described by all who knew her, will undoubtedly live long in the community. The family’s request for privacy is a call for compassion as they navigate the painful process of grieving a life lost far too soon.