A US mother and her father-in-law died in a harrowing backyard pool tragedy trying to save the life of a nine-year-old girl.
Authorities have ruled deaths of Bharat Patel, 62, his 33-year old daughter-in-law Nisha Patel and her eight-year-old daughter as a result of accidental drowning.
Their bodies were found floating in a mostly one-metre-deep pool in New Jersey after neighbours heard screaming on June 24.
READ MORE: Family members found dead in pool didn't know to swim
The family had only recently moved into the home and did not know how to swim, police said.
Family friend Sarah Grabowski said father and husband Akash Patel's life had been altered forever.
"Their new house should have been a haven from the stress of the world and a place to stay safe from the virus," she wrote on an online fundraising campaign.
"There is nothing as gut wrenching as the loss of a child.
"It is a disruption of the natural order of life. Compound that enormous hole in your heart with losing your spouse and parent on the same afternoon. It is inconceivable."
Ms Grabowski said Mr Patel had struggled to mourn the loss of his family, particularly while the coronavirus pandemic has restricted contact with others.
"How can you help when you cannot offer a hug, bring over meals, or even drop off a card sharing words of support?" she added.
East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco said the deaths were "devastating day for the entire community".
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