Girl,2, loses fight for life after pool accident

Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland. Photo/File

A 2-year-old has died after she was found face-down in a swimming pool on Wednesday.

Saylor Rose Kerlin lost the fight for her life in the early hours of this morning after three days in the paediatric intensive care unit at Auckland's Starship Hospital.

The toddler was left in a coma after being found unconscious in a swimming pool.

A St John spokeswoman said they responded to the incident on Woodhill Park Rd in Waimauku at 7.57pm and the patient was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

A Givealittle page set up in support of Saylor Rose's parents, Chantal and Conor Kerlin, said her mother gave her CPR until the ambulance arrived.

"She is now fighting for her life in PICU," it said.

"Saylor Rose has an unbelievably powerful spirit, but she needs all of our energy to win this battle, please have her in your thoughts and prayers."

A Facebook post placed early this morning by Chantal Kerlin confirmed the tragic loss of the child.

"The greats are always taken to soon. We love you sweet child forever in our hearts," it said.

"Thank you for all the support during this absolutely terrible time. We learned so much about death and how to treat every day like it is your last. Enjoy your family and don't sweat the small things."

A police spokesperson confirmed a 2-year-old girl died overnight in Starship Hospital from injuries sustained in a drowning in Waimauku.

"The girl was taken to hospital in a critical condition on Wednesday," they said.

"Police are supporting the family and continue to make inquiries into what happened."

Family friend Paula Ward who set up the Saylor Rose Givealittle page said the death was "heartbreaking" and she was yet to speak with the family.

The fundraising page has so far raised just over $16,000, which will go towards helping the family with general living costs.

"With both parents unable to work during this time and for the foreseeable future, and with two other children to provide for there will be a strain on the family finances, every little bit will help alleviate a bit of stress for this beautiful family," the page reads.