Kelan Logan-Derench, five, drowned in Egypt swimming pool accident, says coroner

A ‘cheeky and mischievous’ boy from Sutton Coldfield died in a swimming pool accident, a coroner decided. Five-year-old Kelan Logan-Derench, from Falcon Lodge, was on his first foreign holiday to Egypt last November when the tragedy happened.

He was found in the pool at the Mirette Hotel in the resort of Hurghada on Saturday, November 25, the day after he arrived with his mum, elder sister and grandmother. Kelan did not have his armbands on, the inquest heard.

Attempts were made to resuscitate him and he was taken to the El Nile Hospital around seven kilometres away. But nothing could be done to save him.

READ MORE: Boy of five dies in Egypt swimming pool on first holiday abroad

An inquest was opened at Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court last December and was concluded in writing on Monday, October 28. Senior coroner, Louise Hunt, recorded the cause of death as ‘drowning’.

She said: “Kelan was away on holiday with his family at the Mirette Hotel, Hurghada, Egypt. On November 25, 2023 at around 12.05 he was found at the bottom of the hotel swimming pool without his armbands.

“Resuscitation attempts were made and he was taken to the El Nile hospital where sadly he was confirmed deceased.” The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Family friend, Serena Whitehead, previously described Kelan as a ‘cheeky, mischievous, happy little boy’. In a GoFundMe appeal last year she said: “Kelan’s whole family are absolutely broken and we can only imagine the pain they are going through.

“The least we can do as friends of the family and as a community is to help them by offering some financial support so that they can bring Kelan home and give him the funeral he deserves.” The fundraising page amassed £19,720.

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Kelan was in Year One at New Hall Primary School. At the time school head Becci Breedon said: "We offer our deepest sympathy to all those involved in this tragedy. Kelan was a bright, happy and energetic member of our school, he will be greatly missed and always remembered with affection.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family, loved ones, friends and the local community affected at this extremely sad time.” Coun Richard Parkin (Sutton, Reddicap) said: “As the local councillor, I have offered Serena my support in any way I can, as has the MP.”

Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell said: “I was deeply saddened to hear the awful news of the death of my young constituent Kelan Logan-Derench, who died during his holiday in Egypt.

“My thoughts are with his family during this terrible time, and I will help in any way I can in my capacity as MP and of course as a foreign office minister."