Who was Colton Michael Kline? Washington boy, 4, mauled to death by family dog in 'tragic accident' on Halloween
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON: A four-year-old child, whose GoFundMe page identified him as Colton Michael Kine, was mauled to death by his family dog on Halloween in Washington State.
The Spokane Police Department officers responded to a report of an animal attack on Tuesday, October 31, shortly after 8 pm in Spokane. They found a child who was attacked by a family dog, reports People.
Authorities call Colton Kline's death a 'tragic accident'
Spokane Police Department authorities who called the death a "tragic accident" immediately " began rendering aid, and care was subsequently transferred to [Spokane Fire Department] and [American Medical Response]."
"Despite the efforts of first responders, the child succumbed to their injuries," authorities stated.
According to police, the child's family's "valiant attempts to protect the child" left the animal "severely injured and beyond help," leading authorities authorities to euthanize the dog on site.
The department further noted that they do not suspect any foul play and do not believe the incident has any criminal involvement.
Authorities also stated that the animal attack took place in a residence and was unrelated to trick-or-treating.
The press release noted that the victim will be officially identified by the medical examiner’s office at a later date.
The dog's body was taken into custody by SCRAPS.
GoFundMe set up for Colton Kline to help with funeral costs
Following the child's death, a GoFundMe page was set up to support his family to meet funeral costs.
As of Friday morning, November 4, the page which was launched two days ago has raised more than $10,000.
Speaking to NBC Right Now, neighbor Roger Hammers a nurse who works with elderly people said that his girlfriend Jenna was handing out candy when the young boy's family sought help as the dog attacked.
Hammers said the child lives at East Dalton Avenue with his grandparents and that residents in the neighborhood "didn't hear the attack" before the child's grandfather came out to ask for help.
The neighbor said that he found the child in his grandmother's arms and had "some trouble breathing" and a "considerable amount of blood loss."
"It was incredibly difficult to watch that little guy fight for his life," said Hammers.
He described the dog as a pit bull mix and explained that it "never showed any signs of being aggressive" and would mostly play with the four-year-old in the family's yard.
"It's a tragedy. It’s terrible. I'm very sorry to hear that [the boy] didn't make it," said Hammers.
Remembering the young boy, another neighbor, Heather Sandy said that she "never expected something like this to happen so close to home." and described the victim as "kind," "loving," and "full of energy."
"It's hard to even know that, you know, I'll never be seeing him outside again. I'll never, you know, hear him laugh. Nothing," she said.