A British student found dead in a swimming pool while on holiday with her family in Florida has been described as “talented” in emotional tributes.
Anna Beaumont, 13, was discovered unconscious in a pool at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, and died the next day.
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Her devastated parents Peter and Elizabeth set out from their Cardiff home for a break in the sun with her and her brother Jake – but faced a painful journey home without her.
Anna was a keen cyclist like her father Peter, who trains triathletes – and raised £900 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital with an Ironman ride alongside her dad.
She was also a “gifted” member of a local rowing club and had a keen interest in sports along with the rest of her family.
A friend said: “This is so tragic. Like any family, they were so excited for the holiday. You never dream of coming home without a child.”
Colleagues of mother Elizabeth, who works at Cardiff University, were devastated by her loss.
Trevor Wing, chairman of Llandaff rowing club, said Anna was “a keen rower who had trained hard all winter and was enjoying the recent water sessions”.
He added: “She was a lovely, talented young woman and will be sorely missed.
“The entire junior section and rowing club wish to express their deepest condolences to Anna’s family.”
Staff at his school in Radyr, Cardiff, are today comforting classmates just two years after their 13-year-old classmate Aryan Ghoniya went missing in the River Taff while playing with friends.
They both attended Radyr Comprehensive, where principal Andrew Williams called Anna “a beloved member of our school family.”
Mr. Williams: “The mere thought of losing a child is an unimaginable journey and I know I speak on behalf of the entire school community when I say that our thoughts are with Anna’s family as they try to come to terms with her loss.
“Anna was a beloved member of our school family and her absence will be deeply felt by students, staff and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit, kindness and presence touched so many lives.”
In an email to parents, the school said it would inform staff on how best to support pupils in the coming weeks following the loss of the Year 8 student.
He urged them to “listen and encourage them to talk about their feelings.”
Regarding the death in Florida, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the family following the death of a child in the United States and are providing consular support during this difficult time.”
Discovery Cove describes itself as an “all-inclusive resort” on its website and says it offers opportunities to swim with dolphins and snorkel among tropical fish.
It is a sister park to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando.
In a statement, police said: “We regret to inform you that on May 29, 2024, Anna Beaumont, aged 13, was pronounced deceased in hospital.
Any information regarding the cause and manner of his death should come from the Office of the Medical Examiner.”
A spokesperson for the site said its “team responded to an emergency involving a guest” and contacted Orange County Fire & Rescue.
“When emergency personnel arrived, they took over care and transported the guest to a nearby hospital. Our thoughts are with this family and, out of respect for their privacy, we will have no further comment.”
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