Sunbeam girl, 14, dies after suffering a seizure while swimming in the pool

THE father of a heartbroken teenager who died after accidentally drowning in the pool has been described as a “ray of sunshine that touched many lives”.

14-year-old swimmer Ella Swann, who was training at Solihull Swimming Club in Fordbridge in the West Midlands, suffered suspected epilepsy in the pool on February 28 during a routine squad meeting.

2

2

The teenager, who was diagnosed with epilepsy aged just 10, was rescued from the bottom of the pool and taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but died two days later on March 2.

A doctor who had treated Ella at the hospital told an inquest panel that Ella suffered “hypoxic-ischemic brain damage resulting from drowning resulting from a generalized chronic seizure while swimming.”

The Arden Academy student’s devastated father, Michael Swann, told the hearing that Ella enjoys sports and her two favorite sports are swimming and cross-country running as part of the Solihull & Small Heath Athletic Club.

“Ella trained and swam at Solihull Swimming Club. Her favorite swim was backstroke. She was part of swimming galas.

“She enjoyed participating and even more enjoyed the atmosphere and support from other club members. For Ella, it was all about getting involved and having fun.”

Michael told the inquest that Ella has never experienced epileptic seizures during physical activity.

The teenager also loved dancing, walking and school, where she scored an “A for effort in each subject.”

“In the 10th grade she studied acting, English and music. Ella loved the arts, she loved the process of designing, structuring and performing performances,” added Michael.

Young Ella loved creative writing and hoped to become an elementary school teacher — a role Michael believes would “unite.”[d] her creative side with her friendly nature”.

“Ella was a young lady just making her way in life. Ella was known for her kind nature, always full of joy, full of love and caring for others. She always gave her best to try things. She was a ray of sunshine .”

Michael, from Dorridge, concluded: “We are devastated. She is really missed. Ella was a very special girl.”

In a transcript of the inquest, the jury said: “Ella was pulled unconscious from the pool and revived by sports center staff and then by emergency services. Resuscitation was complicated by persistent vomiting.

“Ella was taken to the hospital and had suffered cardiac arrest. Ella was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury and died at 5.12pm on March 2, 2022 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

The jury confirmed to the Coroner’s Court in Birmingham and Solihull that their finding was that Ella’s death was “accidental”.

After the tragedy, the family decided to donate Ella’s organs.

Louise Hunt, senior coroner for Birmingham and Solihull, told the family: “There is nothing I can say to ease the pain you and your family go through every day.

“I hope this process helped you in some way to understand a little bit more about what happened.”

“I realize it doesn’t provide all the answers. I hope in time you will be able to remember the girl, the person you described. Thank you for providing an insight into who Ella was.”