Schoolgirl, 14, who tragically drowned after suffering seizure in swimming pool described by her father as a ‘ray of sunshine who touched many lives’ as jury inquest concludes her death was ‘accidental’
- Ella Swann, 14, suffered a seizure while swimming in Solihull on February 28
- She was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but sadly died two days later
- An inquest jury has today concluded that Ella died as a result of an accident
- Her father Michael said she was a ‘ray of sunshine, who touched many lives’
A schoolgirl who tragically drowned after suffering a seizure while swimming was described by her family as a ‘ray of sunshine who touched many lives.’
Ella Swann, 14, suffered a suspected epileptic fit while doing the sport she loved.
The youngster was with Solihull Swimming Club at North Solihull Sports Centre when tragedy struck on February 28.
She was rescued from the water and rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, but she sadly died two days later on March 2.
A doctor, who treated Ella at hospital, found she suffered ‘hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, as a result of drowning, as a result of a generalised chronic seizure while swimming.’
An inquest jury today concluded that she died as a result of an accident.
Ella Swann (pictured), 14, who tragically died two days after suffering a seizure while swimming on February 28, was described by her father as a ‘ray of sunshine who touched many lives’ as an inquest jury concluded her death was accidental
Ella’s devastated father Michael Swann said his daughter was a ‘ray of sunshine, who touched many lives.’
Mr Swann told the hearing: ‘She enjoyed sports. Her two favourite sports were swimming and running.
‘Ella trained and swam at Solihull Swimming Club. Her favourite stroke was backstroke. She was part of swimming galas.
‘She enjoyed taking part and even more she enjoyed the atmosphere and supporting other club members. For Ella is was all about taking part and having fun.’
The schoolgirl, from Dorridge, West Midlands, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 10. She had never experienced any seizures during physical activity.
‘Ella was a young lady, just making her way in life. Ella was well known for her kind nature, always full of joy, full of love and cared for others. She always tried her best to give things a go. She was a ray of sunshine.
‘We are devastated. She is truly missed. Ella was a really special girl.’
The accident took place at North Solihull Sports Centre on February 28
Her family also decided to donate her organs, following her tragic death.
The jury confirmed to Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court their conclusion was ‘accidental.’
The jury panel concluded: ‘On the evening of February 28, Ella attended her routine Solihull Swimming Club squad session at North Solihull Sports Centre. Sometime between 9pm and 9.05pm, Ella was discovered as the bottom of the pool.
‘Ella was pulled unconscious from the pool and given CPR by sports centre staff and subsequently emergency services. CPR was complicated due to persistent vomiting.
‘Ella was transported to hospital and had suffered cardiac arrest. Ella was diagnosed with a hypoxic brain injury and died at 5.12pm on March 20 2 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.’
Addressing Ella’s family members, Senior Coroner Louise Hunt, for Birmingham and Solihull, said: ‘There’s nothing I can say to help the pain that you and your family go through every day.
‘I hope in some sense this process has helped you understand a little bit more about what happened.
‘I realise it doesn’t bring all of the answers. I hope with time you can remember the girl, the person, that you described. Thank you for sharing an insight into who Ella was… that ray of sunshine that you described to me – the person who cared so much about others and touched so many lives.
‘And ultimately ending saving so many lives with that incredibly generous donation of her organs.’
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