The parents of a 10-year-old Winnipeg girl who died following what was supposed to be a minor surgical procedure this week are seeking answers from health officials.

Ashuza Halisi underwent surgery at the Maples Surgical Centre on Monday for an umbilical hernia that she had at birth.

Her parents told CBC News doctors told them it was a simple procedure and Ashuza would be able to go home shortly afterwards.

But after they came home that evening, Ashuza began experiencing horrible pain that grew worse even after she took Tylenol, said her mother, Ephemie Nyelele.

"I take the phone and start calling the ambulance, and she started breathing very fast," Nyelele told CBC News.

"I said, 'Please don't do that, I'm calling the ambulance.' But I knew that she's gone."

The young girl was rushed to Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning.

Ashuza's father, Willy Halisi, said the coroner's office told him that the child had a small perforation in her bowel.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority told CBC News the province's chief medical examiner is investigating the death.

Halisi said the family is turning to their faith to stay strong, but he wants to know how his daughter died.

"Her being taken away is a shock. But we are Christians. We thank God," Halisi said.

"At the same time, we want to know … so that this may not happen to another innocent girl."