On the evening of September 12, 2021, Mia-Ann Myerscough was taking a bath at her family home. Known to have a severe form of epilepsy, the young girl was momentarily left alone by her mother, who went to retrieve a toy that could help soothe her.

Coroner's Inquest Reveals Details Of Tragic Bath Drowning

Mia-Ann was discovered immersed in the bath by Vernon Ward, her mother's partner, who promptly attempted to resuscitate her. Despite his efforts and the swift arrival of emergency services, Mia-Ann was transported to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where she was pronounced dead the next day.

The subsequent inquest into her death was held at Pontypridd Coroners' Court, where details of the events leading to her tragic demise were thoroughly examined.

Medical Condition Played Key Role in Accidental Death

Mia-Ann had been diagnosed with PCDH19-related epilepsy, a rare genetic disorder before she turned three. This condition is known to cause frequent seizures, cognitive impairments, and autistic traits, complicating her daily life.

According to testimonies at the inquest, her condition had been under control with no seizures reported since 2019, thanks to careful management and medication. Dr. Alok Gaurav, who testified at the inquest, remarked on the effectiveness of the treatment Mia-Ann had been receiving before the incident.

Dr. Stephen Leadbeatter, providing expert analysis at the inquest, clarified the direct cause of death. He stated that while Mia-Ann was not completely submerged, her mouth and nose were covered by water during her seizure, leading to drowning—the immersion was a consequence of her medical condition.

Family and Community Shocked by the Loss

Julia Myerscough, Mia-Ann's mother, recounted the moments before the accident, noting how she had left Mia-Ann alone for only about five minutes. "She was sitting towards the top of the bath in the corner next to her little squishes — her little friends," Julia recalled.

In her testimony, she expressed profound grief and regret, emphasizing how sudden and unexpected the incident was, having believed her daughter to be safe in shallow water and near her toys.

Inquest Verdict and Safety Recommendations

The coroner's verdict emphasized the accidental nature of Mia-Ann's death, linking it unequivocally to her medical condition during an instance of unintended solitude. The tragic event has sparked conversations around safety measures for children with similar medical conditions.

Experts suggest that constant supervision is necessary for children susceptible to seizures, especially in environments like bathtubs where the risk of drowning is significantly heightened.

Community and Family Respond to Tragic Event

This case has deeply affected the community, with many local parents and caregivers reflecting on the importance of vigilance while caring for children with special needs. Educational programs on seizure safety and emergency response are being considered to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Myerscough family has received an outpouring of support from the community, appreciating the efforts of those who tried to save Mia-Ann and empathizing with their loss.

As this tragic incident concludes with a coroner's report, it serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with medical conditions like epilepsy and the vigilance they necessitate.