A 13-year-old girl drowned in a swimming pool while on holiday in Florida after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure, an inquest has heard.
Anna Beaumont was found unconscious at the Discovery Cove resort in Orlando last month.
Her family described her as “a beautiful soul” who would “never be forgotten”.
Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard Anna was at the resort on 28 May when her father heard the lifeguard’s whistle shortly after 10.30am.
Anna’s father rushed to the scene when he realised it was his daughter who lifeguards were attempting to resuscitate, the hearing was told.
She was taken to Arnold Palmer hospital in Florida where she died the following day.
A post-mortem examination was carried out at the hospital and the cause of death was given as drowning and seizure disorder – another term used for epilepsy, the court heard.
Patricia Morgan, area coroner for South Wales Central, said a date for a full inquest would be set once investigations were complete. But the coroner said this could take some time as the office will need information from the authorities in Florida.
“I wish to take this opportunity to express my condolences to Anna’s family at this sad time,” the coroner said. Andrew Williams, headteacher at Radyr Comprehensive School where Anna was a pupil, said she was “a cherished member of our school family”.
He added: “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.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said it was “supporting the family of a British child who died in the United States”.
The inquest was adjourned to a later date.
