WINDHAM — The 3-year-old daughter of Rep. Richard Okerman died early Monday, hours after being found unconscious in the family’s above-ground pool.

It has not been determined how the girl got into the pool, which was gated and had a ladder.

“It does appear to be an accident at this time,” Capt. Michael Caron of the Windham Police Department said.

Gabriella “Ella” Okerman was the youngest of Richard and Jessica Okerman’s children. The couple has two other children, Nicholas and Makaila. Rep. Okerman’s father, also named Richard, said Monday that the family is distraught.

House Speaker William O’Brien released a statement.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Rep. Rick Okerman’s daughter,” O’Brien, R-Mont Vernon, said. “Words cannot describe the unspeakable tragedy of losing one’s child and how it forever changes the parents who have been affected.”

Ella was discovered in the pool at 3 Marblehead Road around 4:32 p.m. Sunday. She had been pulled out of the water by the time emergency crews arrived, according to Chief Thomas McPherson of the Windham Fire Department. Emergency personnel were told the child may have been in the water for about five minutes before she was found, according to McPherson.

Firefighters continued CPR efforts, which were started before they arrived. The child was taken by ambulance to Parkland Medical Center in Derry, and later transferred to Elliot Hospital in Manchester.

The Windham Police Department was informed that she died around 3:30 a.m. Monday. The incident remains under investigation while police wait for the medical examiner’s report.

The loss is a blow to every member of a tight-knit community such as Windham, said Travis Blais, chairman of the Windham Republican Committee and Okerman’s colleague.

“This tragedy breaks the heart of all Windham families,” Blais said. “I know our town will come together as a community to support the Okerman family in this time of unimaginable distress.”

The Crossing Life Church and Southern New Hampshire 9-12 Project are working together to assist the family with meals and anything else they may need, said Rep. David Bates, also of Windham.

Bates has worked closely with Okerman in the legislature and founded the 9-12 Project with him just over a year ago. He said the Okermans are a wonderful family most in need of a little time and space right now.

“The best thing people can do right now is keep the family in their prayers,” Bates said.

Rep. Gary Azarian, another friend and colleague, was saddened by the news.

“It’s such a tragedy,” Azarian said. “Our prayers and sympathies go out to his family at this time.”

A fund has been established to assist the family with funeral costs. Contributions may be sent to: The Okerman Family Memorial Fund c/o Citizens Bank, 115 Indian Rock Road, Windham, N.H. Contributions may also be made at any Citizens Bank branch.

Jhanson@newstote.com