Nine-year-old Mia Myerscough tragically drowned in the bath after her mother briefly left her alone to find her favourite toy. The heartbreaking incident occurred on September 13, 2021, in their family home in Bridgend. Mia, who suffered from PCDH19-related epilepsy, a rare form of the syndrome, had not experienced a seizure for two years prior to her passing.
During the evening of September 12, 2021, Mia’s mother, Julia Myerscough, had taken Mia for a bath but realised Mia did not have her beloved Danny Dog squishy toy. Knowing Mia’s attachment to the toy, Julia dashed downstairs for a few minutes to retrieve it. Mia was lingering in the bath corner surrounded by her squishy toys when Julia briefly left the room.
While downstairs, Julia’s partner, Vernon Ward, heard a concerning noise from upstairs and upon investigation, found Mia partially immersed in the water. Vernon immediately administered CPR, and emergency services were called, but tragically Mia could not be revived.
Neighbours swiftly responded to the emergency call, with one neighbour assisting with CPR instructions over the phone while Vernon performed the resuscitation. Despite their efforts, Mia was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Mia was described as a happy girl who adored her squishy toys, which provided her with sensory comfort. Her family, including her older sister who also has epilepsy, had been managing Mia’s epilepsy effectively for years leading up to the incident.
The inquest concluded Mia’s death as a tragic accident, likely resulting from an unforeseen seizure. The proceedings shed light on the importance of understanding medical conditions in vulnerable individuals and highlighted the need for extra precautions in caring for those with epilepsy.
Julia reiterated that Mia had not shown signs of a seizure before the incident, and the family had been vigilant in managing her epilepsy. Mia’s love for baths, despite the risks associated with her condition, was a testament to her unique preferences and personality.
The inquest emphasised the significance of following safety protocols for individuals with epilepsy when bathing, such as having someone present nearby and opting for showers over baths. The heartbreaking loss of Mia serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with complex medical conditions.
The Myerscough family’s ordeal underscores the importance of raising awareness about epilepsy and ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Mia’s memory lives on through the love and cherished moments shared by her family, who continue to honour her vibrant spirit and joyful presence.