Tragic 17-year-old girl dies after suffering epileptic fit in the bath

A popular 17-year-old girl died after suffering an epileptic fit while taking a bath at home, it emerged yesterday (Wed).

Tragic Charlotte Blakeway passed away after paramedics were called to her parent’s house at around 11.13am on Saturday (18/4).

Police said despite the efforts of medics the A-Level student was pronounced dead at the rural property in Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, Shrops.

It is believed the teenager suffered a epileptic fit and may have drowned in the bathtub before she was found by her devastated mother Elizabeth, 51.

Yesterday (Tue) a West Mercia Police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called to an address in Minsterley at 12.26pm on April 18.

“A 17-year-old girl was found to be deceased in the bath. The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: “We were called to a medical emergency at a private address in Minsterley, near Shrewsbury.

“Two ambulances, a paramedic support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were in attendance.

“The patient was airlifted and taken to Shrewsbury Royal Hospital. We do not have any details of her condition at that point”

Charlotte’s teachers have since paid tribute to the talented pupil “who approached everything with a smile on her face”.

Andrew Smith, headteacher at Mary Webb School in Pontesbury, Shrops., said: “As a school we are devastated by the news of Charlotte’s death.

“The thoughts of the whole school community are with Charlotte’s family at this time of great sadness and loss.

“We remember Charlotte as a hard working student who approached everything with a smile on her face.

“Mrs Clewlow, her form tutor, recalls her as a bubbly, bright enthusiastic student with a wide circle of friends.”

Charlotte had been studying A-level film, performance, English and sociology at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College

Martin Ward, principal of the college, said: “We were very sorry to hear of the death of Charlotte who came to us from Mary Webb School and who was in her first year of studying film, performance, English and sociology.

“It was a shock for the staff who taught her and her many friends at college and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

Dozens of friends also took to social media to pay tribute to Charlotte and express shock at her death.

Emily Roberts, from Shrewsbury, wrote: “She was such a lovely girl who always took the time to speak to everyone.

“Was such a shock and was so scary to think that someone’s life can be taken so suddenly.”

Sandie Herbert, from Shrewsbury, added: “Beautiful, gorgeous, and such a wonderful young lady, Charlotte you will be greatly missed.”

Rachel Gillon added: “She was an amazing girl who never failed to make me smile. I can’t believe she is gone.”

A remembrance page was also set up on Facebook where friends posted memories of the “beautiful” teenager.

Lucie Mae Higgins wrote: “Such a beautiful girl, too young to become one of God’s Angels! Hope he’s taking care of you, sleep tight Charlie, we all miss you already.”

Toby Tomlins said: “R.i.p Charlotte you were such a lovely person always putting other people before yourself asking if they were okay and cheering them up with you smile such a bubbly girl full of happiness.”

And Kelsea Gillon added: “Still can’t believe your gone miss you beautiful way too young and so much ahead of u hope ur making all th angels smile up there like u did everyone down here.”

Emma Chisholm put: “Such a lovely girl! Always brightened everyone’s day with that beautiful smile! Can’t even believe she is gone! Sleep tight angel! See you again some day.”

No date for an inquest has yet been set.