Police have since clarified the death is being treated as unexplained.
According to the statement, the girl was at home with her siblings, all school-aged.
The preschooler s father noticed he had not seen her playing with the other children for about 10 minutes, and she was found inside the family washing machine.
Attempts were made to resuscitate the young girl, and she was taken to hospital where she died on Saturday.
Her death was reported to the coroner. The police investigation into [the child s] death is at a very early stage. The investigation will include consideration and determination as to whether the death was suspicious or accidental, the coroner said.
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Death of Christchurch toddler found in washing machine treated as unexplained Newshub 24/02/2021
Warning - this article contains details which some readers may find distressing.
The death of a Christchurch toddler found inside a washing machine is being treated as unexplained.
Emergency services rushed to the house in Hoon Hay at around 5pm on Friday where the toddler was found. She was transported to hospital but died the following day.
While police originally said her death was not suspicious, Deputy Chief Coroner Anna Tuttonn said in a minute on Wednesday she had been advised the death was being investigated as unexplained.