Kiara Ainsworth, 13, was tragically found dead in a bath at her home in Accrington, Lancashire, on April 27 – an inquest into her tragic passing heard possible explanations for her death
A 13-year-old schoolgirl who was found dead in a bath could have died from an epileptic seizure, an inquest into her tragic death has heard.
Emergency services rushed to Kiara Ainsworth’s house in Accrington, Lancashire, on April 27 but she was found unresponsive in the bath. Paramedics were unfortunately not able to resuscitate the 13-year-old and she tragically passed away. The coroner’s service launched an investigation due to the circumstances of Kiara’s sudden death. An inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court, which opened on May 8, heard that Kiara has a “significant medical history” which also included suffering with epilepsy.
Area Coroner Kate 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.” A final inquest into Kiara’s tragic death will be held on August 7.
Tributes to the 13-year-old poured in from her family and friends. A Facebook post, from May 2, by Christine Houghton said: “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.
“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. We now know that Kiara tragically passed due to an epileptic episode which has left us heartbroken.”
Another young girl was tragically drowned in her bath at home, when her mum walked away for a few minutes. Mia-Ann Myerscough, 9, had a condition called PCDH19-related epilepsy, which is a rare form of the syndrome with early onset seizure.
Her syndrome also meant she had cognitive and sensory delays as well as behavioural problems but she hadn’t suffered a seizure for two years before her death.
The schoolgirl’s mum had rushed away for a few minutes to get Mia-Ann’s favourite toy on September 12, 2024, but heard a “bump” or “bang” but didn’t know where it came from in the house.
Vernon Ward, Ms Myerscough’s partner, called up to Mia-Ann if she was okay and shouted again when he didn’t get a response. He then went upstairs and found Mia-Ann partially immersed in the water.
He told an inquest that he immediately scooped the girl out of the bath and started CPR to attempt to resuscitate the young girl before paramedics came. Mia-Ann was unfortunately pronounced dead at the hospital.