A 4-year-old California girl has died after being attacked by her family’s dog, authorities said.
On Sept. 4, at about 8 p.m., officers responded to the Visalia, Calif., home, Visalia police said in a statement shared to the department’s Facebook page. Police said the 4-year-old girl had just gone swimming and went inside the home when she was attacked by the family’s pit bull.
“Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital, she sadly passed away from her injuries,” police said in the statement.
The 4-year-old girl was identified by family as Zoey Hawkins, according to Fox 28 and ABC 30. Her family told Fox 28 the girl’s father went inside to get a towel when the girl was attacked in the backyard after getting out of the kiddie pool.
“She’s been around this dog for two-plus years,” Zoey’s cousin Pearl Vargas told Fox 28. “Her and the dog would always play with each other. They would always be around each other. So we have no clue on what the reason was or why the dog even did this in the first place.”
On a GoFundMe campaign created to help offset funeral costs, Zoey was described as a “vibrant and loving” girl.
“Please consider contributing to this fund if able to help ease the hardship for Zoey’s family and honor the memory of our precious little girl who touched so many lives,” the fundraiser’s description reads.
According to police, the investigation revealed “no signs of neglect or criminal wrongdoing.”
“This heart-wrenching event is a tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,” police said.
While police did not share the current status of the dog, family told Fox 28 that the animal has since been euthanized.
