A tragic incident has emerged following a family holiday in Egypt, which resulted in the untimely death of a one-year-old British girl, Ariella Mann. Lawyers representing her family revealed that she developed a rare kidney condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thought to be linked to a suspected E. coli infection acquired during their stay.
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Ariella was visiting the Jaz Makadi Aquaviva, a five-star hotel in Hurghada, a resort town frequented by tourists. The family holiday, booked through TUI U.K. Limited, took place on December 21, 2025. Unfortunately, during the second week of their trip, the young girl began displaying signs of illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, a fever, and severe dehydration.
Initially treated at the hotel’s clinic, Ariella’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Upon returning to the U.K. on January 5, 2026, she was admitted to a local hospital the following day. Due to the seriousness of her situation, she was transferred to a specialist children’s hospital on January 7 and was placed in an induced coma. Tragically, she passed away just three days later.
Jade Oakes, Ariella’s mother, described the family’s experience as “the worst time of our lives,” expressing feelings of helplessness as they watched their daughter’s health decline. She shared the emotional trauma of returning home to find Ariella’s Christmas presents unopened, emphasising that grief has made simple daily tasks feel overwhelming.
In a concerning development, the family’s ordeal appears to be part of a broader issue. Two other children, both British nationals who also stayed at the same hotel, have reported similar health complications. Chloe Crook, aged two, and six-year-old Arthur Broughton became seriously ill following their respective visits. Chloe was admitted to a London hospital where she was placed in an induced coma for four days due to HUS and pneumonia. Arthur is now facing challenges in relearning basic motor skills as a result of the illness affecting his brain.
Lawyer Jatinder Paul, who is representing the families, noted the alarming nature of these events, especially given their impact on children. He highlighted the urgency for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the illnesses and deaths, aiming to provide the necessary support and rehabilitation for those affected.
In its response, TUI U.K. and Ireland expressed profound sadness regarding Ariella’s passing and extended sympathy towards Chloe and Arthur. The company stated that upon learning of Ariella’s illness, it initiated an independent health and safety investigation, which included rigorous hygiene and food-safety checks at the hotel. However, no traces of E. coli were detected during this inquiry.
The hotel management, part of the JAZ Hotel Group, had not responded to requests for comments at the time of reporting. TUI has encouraged any guests feeling unwell during their holidays to seek immediate medical attention and reach out to customer support for assistance.
The deaths and illnesses associated with the hotel have raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in tourist accommodations and the potential risks posed to young children. As families grapple with the aftermath of these events, legal avenues are being pursued to seek clarity and accountability from the companies involved. The heartbreaking loss of a young life highlights the need for heightened vigilance and support for families travelling abroad.