Family of woman who died in Florida pay tribute to ‘stunning soul’

The devastated family of a British 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 Anna was taken to hospital in critical condition but died the next day.

The family, who were spending half term on a dream holiday to Florida when tragedy struck, 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.’

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

Anna pictured with her mother Elizabeth who works at Cardiff University

Anna was a cyclist like her father Peter (pictured with Anna) who trains triathletes and had raised £900 for the Noah’s Ark children’s hospital with an Ironman ride next to her father

Anna was also a ‘talented’ member of a local rowing club and had a keen interest in sports along with the rest of her family

Andrew Williams, the headteacher 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 described as an all-inclusive day resort and ‘tropical oasis’ where families can swim with dolphins and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish in its famous saltwater coral reef pool. It is not known where in the resort Anna got into trouble.

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.

Anna Beaumont, described as superfit, was found unresponsive at Discovery Cove in Orlando (pictured)

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

A family friend said last night: ‘This is just so tragic. Like any family they were very excited by the holiday. 

‘You never dream of coming home without a child.’  

Anna was a cyclist like her father, who trains triathletes, and had raised £900 for the Noah’s Ark children’s hospital with an Ironman ride next to her father.

Recently the 13-year-old had posed proudly with her bike at the finish.

She was also a ‘talented’ member of a local rowing club and had a keen interest in sports along with the rest of her family.

Colleagues of her mother Elizabeth, who works at Cardiff University, were described as devastated at her loss.

Anna Beaumont, 13, died the day after she was found at Discovery Cove

Anna was found unresponsive at the Discovery Cove resort in Florida last Tuesday, and died the next day in hospital. Pictured: Dolphins performing at the Discovery Cove resort

Trevor Wing, Chairman of Llandaff rowing club, said Anna was ‘a keen rower who had been training hard all winter and was enjoying the recent water sessions’.

He added: ‘She was a lovely and talented young lady and will be greatly missed.

‘All the junior section and the rowing club wish to express their heartfelt condolences to Anna’s family.’

Regarding the death in Florida, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: ‘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.’