Hazel Park family releases emotional statement after 4-year-old boy mauled to death by pit bull

‘We experienced a family’s worst nightmare’

Benjamin, a 4-year-old boy, was fatally mauled by a dog Oct. 29, 2019, in Hazel Park. (WDIV)

The family of a 4-year-old boy released an emotional statement the day after he was mauled to death by a pit bull in Hazel Park.

Dog attack

Police said Benjamin was attacked at 6:44 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the area of East Nine Mile and John R roads.

His 14-year-old sister called 911 to report that her mother was trying to stop the dog from attacking Benjamin, according to authorities.

Benjamin, a 4-year-old boy, was fatally mauled by a dog Oct. 29, 2019, in Hazel Park. (WDIV)

Police said firefighters arrived and saw a 60-pound pit bull attacking the boy in the home, officials said.

Officers used a Taser on the dog, and it ran out of the house, according to police.

Here’s our report from Tuesday on Local 4 News at 11 p.m.:

Benjamin had serious injuries on his body and neck, police said.

He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, medical officials said.

His mother was also taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Authorities found the dog with a knife wound. They said Benjamin’s mother stabbed the dog while trying to defend her son.

Benjamin, a 4-year-old boy, was fatally mauled by a dog Oct. 29, 2019, in Hazel Park. (WDIV)

The family was fostering the pit bull, according to officials.

Family releases statement

Benjamin’s family released a statement Wednesday, as well as a GoFundMe fundraiser.

Here’s the full statement:

On Oct. 29, 2019, we experienced a family’s worst nightmare when a dog took the life of Benjamin. No words can ever explain the depth of our love for him.

"This has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, friends and all those who knew our sweet boy. A kind gesture to help a friend in a time of need -- for a dog that was said to have never shown aggressive behaviors -- has turned into a horrifying loss for our family.

“We have learned that we are far from alone in our struggle, as diligent and loving parents from all walks of life have suffered this catastrophic loss under similar horrifying circumstances. Prayers, thoughts, positive wishes and any donations to the family are welcome at this time.”

Click here to visit the family’s GoFundMe page.


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.