A Queensland family is in mourning after the death of a 12-year-old girl in hospital, two days after she was burnt in a house fire.
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Alexis Dean fought her critical injuries for two days before succumbing in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The rest of the Gympie family called for privacy to grieve in peace as they announced the 12-year-old's death would help save the lives of other young people.
"We would like to thank the community for the support we have received during this very difficult time," Alexis' family said, in a statement.
"We are grateful that Alexis was able to donate her organs and give life to others, and this was in keeping with how she always wanted to help others."
The news saw an outpouring of grief on the Facebook page of Alexis' sister, Kara.
"She will live on in our memories," wrote one friend, while another wrote "words can't explain how much pain I'm in".
The thoughts and prayers of Queenslanders are with the family and loved ones of Alexis Dean. Such a tragedy.— AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) June 29, 2016
Firefighters battled their way into the Dean family's home in the Gympie suburb of Monkland, competing with raging flames and poor visibility to pull Alexis to safety.
They were praised for their bravery in freeing the young girl from her bedroom in trying conditions.
Alexis' mother and two other children escaped the fire without injury.
Covered in burns to her upper body and suffering smoke inhalation, Alexis was rushed to Gympie Hospital in a critical condition and had to be airlifted to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital later on Monday, where doctors weren't able to save her.
Investigations continued, with firefighters believing the fire had started in a bedroom of the low-set home.
One of the girl's friends took to Facebook to urge her "best friend" to "keep fighting baby".
"I can't describe how much this girl means to me," she wrote.
"She's been there every step of the way, she's held me when I've cried, she's given me a reason to live and without her I wouldn't be the same person I am today.
"To lose her would mean losing part of me.
"I love her with my body heart and soul and I ask that u all pray for her bc my life would not be the same without this beautiful girl by my side."
One Gympie woman had kicked off a fundraising effort on Go Fund Me by Monday evening, which had more than 30 donors by Tuesday morning.
"Alexis you were a delight in the classroom," one supporter posted.
"My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
"I look forward to hearing you have a speedy recovery."
Others handed over money without knowing the Dean family or their daughter.
By Wednesday morning, the page had raised almost $6000.
- with AAP
