There was an outpouring of grief for the death of 9-year-old Peter Gill, whose life-support machine was turned off at the Sydney Children's Hospital on Sunday.
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Peter had been in a critical condition after suffering a seizure and falling into the pool at Griffith Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre on Friday.
His family were in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, but have thanked the community for their love and support in their time of grieving.
Griffith Public School principal Jude Hayman said Peter would be sorely missed by his friends and classmates in Year 3.
"Peter was a well-respected member of our school community and he will be greatly missed by all," Mrs Hayman said.
"Our deepest sympathy has been expressed to Peter's family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time."
Multicultural Council of Griffith president Carmel La Rocca said the news of Peter's death had dealt a huge blow to the Samoan community.
"It's sad to hear, especially at this time of the year," Ms La Rocca said.
"To hear about such a young life being taken is just so sad."
Griffith City Council mayor John Dal Broi said all of the councillors were deeply saddened by the news.
"We're all very sad as a council about what has happened, and we'll do the best we can to support the family going forward," Councillor Dal Broi said.
"We suffer with them."
Griffith Police are not treating the incident as suspicious, but they will be writing a coroner's report about the events leading up to Peter's death.