A London school has paid tribute to Sara El‑Khawas, a 14‑year‑old who died with her parents in a Shoreham‑by‑Sea drowning, a loss that resonates with families across Canada and the United States.
Hassan El‑Khawas, 55, and Zeina Alayn, 37, also died on Tuesday afternoon in Shoreham‑by‑Sea.
A younger sibling from the same family remains in hospital in critical condition after being rescued from the water, police said.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in West Sussex.
Police, paramedics, coastguard crews and a lifeboat were at the scene where the four people were recovered from the water.
It is believed the family travelled from their home in London to visit Shoreham and entered the water near Shoreham Fort at around 2pm before they got into difficulty.
School tribute to Sara El‑Khawas
Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls posted a tribute to Year 8 student Sara following the tragic incident during the summer holidays on its website on Thursday.
The school, in the London borough of Ealing, said: "Sara was a sweet girl, well‑liked by staff and students and she will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those affected," the statement added. "This news will be deeply upsetting for many students, families and staff.
Coastal communities in Canada and the United States often issue similar warnings about strong tides and sudden currents, underscoring the universal risk.
Schools in both countries have counselling protocols to support students after such tragedies.
Police investigation
On Wednesday, Sussex Police said its investigation remains open, but after reviewing CCTV footage and initial witness accounts, it is currently thought the deaths were a tragic accident, with no third‑party involvement.
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: "The events of Tuesday afternoon are a heartbreaking tragedy which has devastated a family and their friends and had a profound impact on the Shoreham community."