Ethan Moore, the West Otago boy who battled liver failure for most of his young life, died in the Starship hospital late yesterday afternoon.

The 18-month-old's parents, Sarah Rabbidge and Stuart Moore, and grandparents Jim and Clare Rabbidge were at his bedside when the life support system was switched off about 5.30pm.

The family had been told only on Monday that part of Mr Moore's liver could be used in a life-saving transplant if Ethan's condition improved.

But at 8am yesterday Ethan's parents were told his condition had deteriorated. He was given an hour to live.

His grandparents quickly flew from West Otago and Ethan was kept alive until they arrived.

Mr Moore contacted family with the news about 6pm. A spokeswoman said he and Sarah Rabbidge were "bearing up, but only just" after their son's death.

Ethan's death would "hit a lot of people hard" in the close-knit family.

The family had been living in hope that Ethan's condition would improve so he could have his transplant.

"But he has had 18 months of suffering."

It was too early to say when his parents would take Ethan home or when his funeral service would be held but more details may be known tonight.