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Toddler brothers, aged 2 and 1, found unconscious at the bottom of backyard pool, die in hospital

Joe and Carmen Porter confirmed the death of sons Michael and Josh in a drowning-related accident this past week
UPDATED FEB 27, 2020
(Source : Getty Images)
(Source : Getty Images)

An Australian couple has lost two of their young boys after they were found unconscious in their backyard pool. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that they also lost their daughter prematurely at 16 weeks just recently.

According to the Daily Mail, Joe and Carmen Porter, who are prominent members of the South African community in Queensland, called emergency services to their Morayfield, Michael Street, home at about 4.30 pm on March 25 after finding two-year-old Michael and one-year-old Josh unconscious in their pool.

Paramedics desperately tried to clear the toddlers' airway before rushing them to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane for further treatment. They were reportedly in critical condition over the past few days, and despite the best efforts of doctors, they could not be saved.

Michael died on March 28, three days after the accident, with his life support turned off at 11 am the next day. Family friend Sharon Landman wrote at the time, "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."

Josh is believed to have died shortly after, though it is still unclear when doctors decided to rule against further treatment. Their deaths were only confirmed by Joe and Carmen on Wednesday, April 2.

A statement they wrote read, "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 the 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."

Kidspot reported that a family friend said on Facebook that Michael and Josh had saved the lives of other children even after their death.

"Michael and Joshua saved several other children through organ donation. We will remember them."

A GoFundMe page titled 'For precious Michael and Josh' set up to raise money to cover their funeral expenses reads, "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. All donations will go towards medical costs, travel fees while both Carmen and Jo are out of work to be at the hospital for their babies."

It has raised $11,330 of a possible $10,000 goal in eight days at the time of writing. The boys' memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, in Caboolture.

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