Ambulance staff arrived at the home just after 8.30pm and worked on him for 40 minutes before he was taken to Gisborne Hospital in a critical condition, a St John spokesman said.
Mr Sargent, who lived in Tauranga but grew up in Gisborne, died shortly after he arrived.
"It's terrible - a terrible accident," said the owner of the home where the tragedy occurred. "My wife and I were here until just before the incident actually happened."
The group had been at his home for a few hours and were enjoying the evening, he said.
"They were actually just sitting around the barbecue table outside by the side of the pool. They had gone out and had a kick around with the ball a couple of times on the tennis court," he said.
"They were just getting ready to leave when we left. We wished them Happy New Year and we went out. They weren't out of control or anything like that."
Yesterday, friends gathered together to console one another.
"They've just been around at one of their mates' places. They're all pretty shellshocked and devastated by the whole thing," the man said.
One of the man's friends, who did not want to be named, told the Herald his death left a huge hole in their group.
"He was the most kind-hearted, generous, happy guy going around, outgoing as anything, never said no to anybody," the friend said.
"Talented, could pick something up and be the best at it in 10 minutes. He's left a hole in our little crew nobody will ever fill. Gone too soon. I loved him to bits and always will."
Dozens of people posted similar messages on Facebook.
Cory Houghton wrote: "You were actually the coolest dude and you'll be missed so much. Glad we got to skate together heaps and became good mates."
Damion Mason-Huta said: "Look at what you've done bro, a whole town united in sorrow of your passing. Goes to show what an immensely stand-up guy you really were."
The death has been referred to the coroner.
