KAILUA — Thirteen-month-old Rylee Kealohilani Egbert brought joy wherever she went and could turn a gloomy day bright.

That ended with her tragic death on the Maunawili Trail Sunday, and the family has rallied to console her parents after the loss of their only child.

Bob, Brigitte and Rylee Egbert often walked the trail behind their home, said E.J. MacNaughton, Rylee's uncle. They took their dogs out every weekend. It was where Rylee was happiest, MacNaughton said.

On Sunday, the Egberts were with Bob Egbert's brother's family who were visiting from Washington state for the holidays, MacNaughton said. The group, including two other children, were going to hike and swim. Bob Egbert was toting Rylee in a backpack carrier when the winds kicked up to nearly 40 mph and a large tree branch fell on both of them, he said. The little girl was knocked unconscious and pronounced dead at Castle Medical Center.

"Bob's a former Navy SEAL ... a guy who was out to protect so many, and the one person he couldn't protect — who means the most to his life, besides my sister — he couldn't protect," MacNaughton said. "We want to make sure he understands that's a freak accident and there's nothing they could have done differently."

Bob Egbert, 35, is from Washington and has lived in the Islands for many years, MacNaughton said. Brigitte Egbert, 34, is part of the MacNaughton family, which has been in the Islands since the 1930s.

"The family was devastated, but strong, and we're working through it with the tons of support we've received from family and friends," MacNaughton said.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pu'u Panini, the home of Duncan MacNaughton. Family and friends are invited to attend, he said. Borthwick Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

E.J. MacNaughton said his niece was outgoing, happy and loved to play with her dogs. She brought joy to people with her smile.

"Rylee was the biggest ham in the world," he said. "She already learned how to wrap me, her uncle, around her little finger just by the gaze, the smile, the giggle."

Rylee was born Oct. 28, 2004, and is survived by her parents; grandparents, Jack and Barbara Egbert, and Edward and Mimi MacNaughton; and great-grandparents, John and Mary Nash, and Carrie Angel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in her name to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1019 Waimanu St. Suite 214, Honolulu, HI 96814.

Rylee didn't have diabetes, but MacNaughton said the family thought it was a great way to help children less fortunate than she.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.