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School Tribute to ‘Sweet’ Teenager Who Died Alongside Parents in Sea Incident
The school said Sara was a well-liked student and is offering extra support after police ruled out third-party involvement in the deaths.
On Tuesday, August 18, 14-year-old Sara El-Khawas, her father Hassan El-Khawas, 55, and his partner Zeina Alayn, 37, died after getting into difficulty while swimming off the coast of Shoreham-by-Sea.
The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing posted a tribute on Thursday, describing Year 8 student Sara as a 'sweet girl, well-liked by staff and students,' and confirmed they are offering support.
Following a review of CCTV footage and witness accounts, Sussex Police ruled the deaths a 'tragic accident,' confirming no third-party involvement in the incident near Shoreham Fort.
A fourth girl, a young family member, remains in critical condition, while the Adur Muslim Centre expressed community shock, mourning the loss of three family members from the Rashidieh refugee camp.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned of open water swimming dangers on Wednesday, describing the deaths as 'a terrible family tragedy' while praising the rapid response of emergency services.