The school described her as a “sweet girl”
A London school has paid tribute to a 14-year-old girl who died alongside her parents after the family got into difficulty in the sea off Shoreham-by-Sea.
Sara El-Khawas and her parents, Hassan El-Khawas and Zeina Alayn, died following the incident near Shoreham Fort in West Sussex on August 18.
Sara was a pupil at Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Ealing, West London.
The school described her as a “sweet girl” who was well-liked by both staff and students.
Head teacher Rachel Kruger said the school was “deeply saddened” by Sara’s death.
She said the school’s priority was supporting students and staff affected by the tragedy.
A fourth member of the family, a younger girl, remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Floral tributes have since been left near Kingston Beach in Shoreham following the deaths.
The Palestinian Forum in Britain said the family were British citizens of Palestinian origin.
The organisation said the family had roots in the Rashidieh refugee camp in Lebanon.
Police believe the family travelled from London to Shoreham on the day of the incident.
Sussex Police said the incident is believed to have been a tragic accident. Officers said there was no indication of third-party involvement.
The Palestinian Forum in Britain said two other children were on the shore when the incident happened.
The organisation said the children are now being cared for by an uncle.
Taher Aziz, from the Adur Muslim Centre, said the local community had been “shocked” by the deaths.
He also expressed concern for the surviving girl, who remains critically ill in hospital.
He said the community was praying for those who died and hoping for the girl’s recovery.
The tragedy has also highlighted the potential dangers associated with open-water swimming.
Coastal waters can present risks, including strong currents and changing conditions, even during warm weather.
Authorities and water safety organisations regularly advise people to take care near open water.
The deaths have left Sara’s school community, family, friends and residents mourning the loss of three members of the same family.
Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls is supporting students and staff as they process the news.
The surviving girl continues to receive hospital treatment following the incident.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain ongoing.
Sussex Police have said the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.
