A family holiday became a disaster when 13-year-old Anna Beaumont from Cardiff, Wales was found unresponsive in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida.
The event occurred at around 11:30 AM on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Anna was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and unfortunately passed away the next day.
Anna was a Year 8 student at Radyr Comprehensive School in Cardiff. She was on holiday with her family at Discovery Cove, a renowned all-inclusive day resort famous for its engaging animal encounters, such as dolphin swimming and snorkeling among tropical fish.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office offered their condolences and the county medical examiner identified the cause of death as drowning.
Discovery Cove, a part of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment group, issued 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 noted they would not provide additional comments out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Radyr Comprehensive School, where Anna was a student, is profoundly impacted by the tragedy. Headteacher Andrew Williams conveyed his sentiments: “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.”
In response to the loss, the school communicated with parents detailing their support plans for students. They highlighted the importance of providing a listening ear to students and encouraging them to express their emotions during this challenging period.
The UK Foreign Office has also stepped in, offering consular support to the Beaumont family. A representative commented, “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 event has cast a mournful pall over Discovery Cove, a frequented spot for tourists in search of unique marine experiences. The park’s focus on crafting unforgettable experiences now stands in stark contrast to the devastating incident suffered by the Beaumont family.
As the investigation continues, Cardiff is grieving the untimely loss of a young life. Friends and family remember Anna as a lively and warm-hearted person whose presence brought happiness to many. In the aftermath of this tragedy, the school and the local community are rallying to support those affected, ensuring that no one has to navigate their grief in isolation.