Finding into death of PCH

14y · Female·Drowning in a person with epilepsy

PCH, a 14-year-old girl in out-of-home care with a history of epilepsy, drowned in a river while washing her hair during a family camping trip. She had experienced increased seizure frequency in October-November 2024, prompting a medication change from sodium valproate to lamotrigine. By December 2024, seizures appeared well-controlled with no further episodes reported. The coroner was unable to determine definitively whether drowning resulted from an accidental incident or an unwitnessed seizure. Her epilepsy management plan recommended supervision for water activities. The coroner found no prevention opportunities and no evidence of negligent care. Medical management and treatment were appropriate throughout.