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Family of girl found dead in pool on holiday pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’

Anna Beaumont, 13, from Cardiff, died in Orlando last week

George Thompson
Tuesday 04 June 2024 11:13 BST
Anna Beaumont, 13, died while on holiday in Florida (family handout/PA)
Anna Beaumont, 13, died while on holiday in Florida (family handout/PA)

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

The family of a young girl who died while on holiday in Florida have described her as a “beautiful soul” who “will never be forgotten”.

Anna Beaumont, 13, from Cardiff, was found unresponsive in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando on May 28.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said she was taken to hospital in critical condition but died the next day.

Her family said in a statement: “Anna was a beautiful soul who has been taken from us in a tragic accident.

“We are devastated by her loss, but she will never be forgotten.

“We would like to thank the emergency response teams and hospital staff in Orlando who tried so hard to save Anna’s life.

“We will not be making any further statements and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

Andrew Williams, the head teacher at Anna’s school, Radyr Comprehensive, described her as a “cherished member of our school family” in a statement shared with the BBC on Sunday.

He said: “The very thought of losing a child is an unimaginable journey and I know I speak on behalf of the whole school community when I say that our thoughts are with Anna’s family as they try to come to terms with their loss.

“Anna was a cherished member of our school family, and her absence will be profoundly felt by pupils, staff and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Her spirit, kindness and presence touched so many lives.”

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive resort and sister park of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando.

The company released a statement about the incident to local media, which said: “Our staff responded to an emergency involving a guest yesterday (May 28).

“Our team provided care and contacted Orange County Fire & Rescue.

“When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital.

“Out of respect for privacy of our guests, we do not provide any health information. Our thoughts are with this family.”

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