Auckland, NEW ZEALAND — A young boy has died on board a flight from Auckland to Samoa, despite attempts by cabin crew to save him.

The passenger, who had a pre-existing medical condition, died on Boxing Day on a Samoa Airways flight, the Samoa Observer reported.

The airline confirmed the details to the newspaper in a statement, but could not be reached by Stuff for comment.

The plane was en-route from Auckland International Airport to Faleolo, near Apia, when the boy became unwell, the airline said. 

"In response, cabin crew assisted and treated the passenger with oxygen," the Samoa Observer reported.

"The passenger's condition deteriorated and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed by the crew who also used the (onboard) defibrillator.

"Unfortunately there were no medical personnel on board the flight."

Prior to touchdown at Faleolo International Airport, the crew relayed the emergency to airport authorities and requested priority landing and medical services, the airline told the Samoa Observer.

"The passenger, who according to family had a medical history which had not been disclosed to the airline prior to the flight, sadly passed away.

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