KEY POINTS:
Erica D'Silva loved running, so it was with great anticipation that the little girl rushed off to school on Monday for cross-country training, hoping to beat her time from last week.
In the afternoon, the 10-year-old ran her race just as well as any other she had competed in, then laid down to rest while other students took their turn on the field. She never got up again.
The Freyberg Community School pupil was rushed to Waitakere Hospital in a critical condition and died soon after arriving there.
A pathologist yesterday told her grieving family that Erica was in perfect health and the reason for her death remained unclear.
Mark D'Silva said his daughter was fine when she left their Te Atatu home on Monday morning. There was no indication of the tragic events that would unfold while she was farewelling her parents at the front door.
"She was perfect; it was a normal day with kisses and hugs," said Mr D'Silva.
Freyberg principal Christine Wilson said Erica also seemed fine during the day and headed to cross-country training eagerly, keen to better the sixth place she ran at last week's session.
"She came to school fine, she was happy and she was keen to get down [to training] and improve her time. It was a totally routine day and that's why her death is so confusing. There was absolutely no reason."
Ms Wilson said Erica was in the "elite group" of students who were training to represent the school in cross-country.
A staff member thought it was unusual that Erica lay down after a race, so checked and found her unconscious.
Erica's death has left the staff and students stunned and saddened by the loss of such a popular student.
Ms Wilson said Erica was a model student who loved running, was involved in an Indian dancing group and gave everything she did "100 per cent".
"She was just one of those lovely children to have at school," said Ms Wilson.
"She just loved life, just a pleasant happy little girl, with lots of friends."
The D'Silva family moved to New Zealand five years ago from Dubai, where Erica was born.
Mr D'Silva said his daughter loved school, her teachers and friends. She was also devoted to her family, including her mum, Ingrid, sister Maxine, who turned 14 yesterday, and her 2 1/2-year-old sister, Jessica.
"She would always be by the window to say bye to us if we went out. She was very loving. It's been a tragedy to us.
"In her death notice we said, 'You came and galloped out of our lives like a pure thoroughbred'. That sums up Erica because she loved horses."
Mr D'Silva said his family were taking comfort in all the cards friends and students had made for them.
Erica will be farewelled on Friday, the day of her eleventh birthday.
