Two brothers who discovered at the bottom of their backyard swimming pool have passed away.
Josh Porter, 1, and Michael Porter, 2, were found in their family’s backyard pool in Morayfield, Queensland Australia on March 25.
Paramedics on the scene desperately performed CPR on the boys before rushing them to the hospital.
The young brothers described as “beautiful” and “full of energy,” died a few days after the incident.
The tragedy follows on the heels of another tragic loss, as parents Joe and Carmen Porter, also lost their daughter who passed away as an infant at only 16 weeks old.
The South African couple announced the loss of their sons last Wednesday.
In the statement the parents wrote:
‘It is with great sadness that we advise that our boys are no longer with us.’
‘Our family is incredibly grateful for the support and care provided by staff of the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
‘We ask the media to please respect our family’s privacy at this sad time.
‘We will not be providing any further comment.’
Heartbroken neighbor Garry Bryan described the lads as “beautiful little boys.”
He told The Courier-Mail that Michael was “full of energy” and “was always out wanted to help dad mow the lawn.”
Friends of the family were devasted.
They set up a GoFund me page for the children which thus far has managed to raise $10,000 for their funeral expenses.
The page read:
‘Carmen and Jo are beautiful parents and need all of our love and support at this horrible time. Michael and Josh are in all of our thoughts and prayers.’
Micheal, the oldest child, died three days after the accident and his parents made the heartwrenching decision to turn off his life support at 11 am the next day.
On March 28, Family friend Sharon Landman wrote on Facebook:
‘Little Michael has lost his battle, while Josh continues to fight.
‘Our hearts and prayers are with you in this terribly sad time. Don’t lose faith!! Family and friends, please keep praying for Josh.’
Sadly, Josh died soon after.
Joe and Carmen are prominent members within their South African community in Queensland.
Members within the Facebook group Afrikaanse Klub Australia offered their support and asked others to pray for the family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZtGh59dX-Q