A 13-year-old girl was tragically discovered dead in a bathtub following a devastating incident, an inquest heard.
On April 27, 13-year-old Kiara Ainsworth was found unresponsive in the bath at her home in Accrington, Lancashire, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the teenager could not be revived. Just days later, tributes from family and friends poured in, painting a vivid picture of a girl gone far too soon.
“She was the most beautiful and kind, fun and sassy 13 year old girl you could hope to meet and has left a huge hole in our hearts,” Christine Houghton wrote on Facebook. “We now know that Kiara tragically passed due to an epileptic episode which has left us heartbroken.”
Kiara’s death was so sudden and shocking that it was immediately reported to the coroner.
An inquest was launched, and at a hearing at Preston Coroner's Court, Area Coroner Kate Bisset revealed that Kiara had a "significant medical history" that included epilepsy.
Bisset said: “She was found deceased at home in the bath in circumstances which suggest she may well have had an epileptic seizure whilst in the bath.”
The full inquest is set for August 7, when more light will hopefully be shed on exactly what happened in those tragic moments.
Just as the world was grieving Kiara, another devastatingly similar story came to light.
Mia-Ann Myerscough, aged nine, also died in the bath at home after suffering a seizure, per the Mirror.
Mia-Ann had been diagnosed with PCDH19-related epilepsy - a rare and severe form of epilepsy that brings with it not only early-onset seizures but cognitive delays, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural challenges.
Mia-Ann hadn’t experienced a seizure for two years before the tragic incident. Her mum reportedly left the bathroom for a few moments, only to return to an unthinkable scene.
The cases have triggered sorrow and unease, sparking discussions about the safety risks of bathing for children with epilepsy and the often-misunderstood nature of the condition itself.
In a Facebook post on May 2, Christine Houghton, speaking on behalf of Kiara’s loved ones, expressed the family’s grief and gratitude: “On behalf of Zara, Hayden, Adrian and all of our family and friends we’d like to say how much we appreciate all your kind words, condolences and gestures of support while we grieve the loss of Kiara.”
Our thoughts are with all of those affected by these tragedies.