4-year-old Oregon girl taken off life support after contracting E. coli

PORTLAND -- A young girl was taken off life support after her family said she contracted E. coli during the Labor Day weekend, FOX 12 News (KPTV) reported Tuesday.

Serena Profitt, 4, was surrounded by family members at Doernbecher Children's Hospital when she was taken off life support at about 9:30 p.m. Monday, the news station said.

"She's the most vibrant young girl ever; she's just sweet loving and so amazing, so smart, just a heart that is of gold," aunt Aleahsa Hargitt told KPTV.

The golden-haired 4-year-old got sick after a day of fun with her family in Lincoln City. Her family said she became so ill, they took her to a McMinnville hospital where she went into kidney failure.

She was later rushed to Doernbecher Children's Hospital, where the family said doctors diagnosed her with E. coli.

"She was great Sunday morning, and then by 4 o'clock, she had a stroke," said Hargitt.

On Tuesday, Oregon Health & Science University confirmed the girl had tested positive for E. coli.

"Serena Profitt died Monday evening from complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Most cases of HUS occur following an infection caused by specific strains of E. coli. Serena tested positive for E. coli, but we don't yet know which strain. A sample of has been sent to the state lab for further testing," a hospital statement said.

The girl's family said her condition advanced to her brain and caused her other organs to shut down.

"I can't imagine how in eight days I lose my precious baby and too fast," said grandmother Sherri Profitt. "Hold on to your babies, hold on to them."

Serena's family said another young boy on the trip to Lincoln City over the Labor Day weekend is also sick and currently receiving treatment at a Tacoma hospital.