Girl, 9, tragically drowned in bath after mum went to fetch favourite toy

A tragic incident unfolded as a 9-year-old girl drowned in the bath while her mum briefly left to fetch her favourite toy. Mia-Ann Myerscough from Bridgend met with this unfortunate fate on September 13, 2021. The inquest, conducted at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court on November 5, revealed that Mia-Ann suffered from PCDH19-related epilepsy, a rare condition that can lead to behavioural issues and seizures.

Despite not experiencing any seizures in the two years prior, Mia-Ann’s life took a devastating turn during a bath with her mum. As her mother went downstairs to retrieve Mia-Ann’s beloved toy, a squishy dog named Danny Dog, Mia-Ann sat in the bath waiting for her return. Shortly after hearing a noise upstairs, the mum rushed back to find Mia-Ann partially submerged in the water. Efforts to revive Mia-Ann were made, and she was rushed to a hospital but tragically, she did not survive.

Dr. Stephen Leadbeatter, a forensic pathology expert, mentioned that Mia-Ann’s death was a result of immersion in water, eventually leading to her demise due to her medical condition. The inquest highlighted the well-managed epilepsy of Mia-Ann and her usual adherence to medication. It also shed light on the importance of supervision for individuals with epilepsy during activities like bathing.

The hearing concluded with a determination of accidental death, attributing Mia-Ann’s tragedy to a seizure that caused her immersion in the bath. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, no blame was placed on Mia-Ann’s mother, and condolences were extended to the family by Assistant Coroner Morse.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance and care required for individuals with medical conditions, even during seemingly routine activities. Proper supervision and adherence to guidelines can help prevent tragic accidents like this from occurring in the future.