A four-year-old boy has died after being mauled by an American Bully in Louisa, Virginia, just days after starting preschool. Garcia Welch succumbed to his injuries following the attack on Sunday.
Emergency Response and Fatal Attack
Emergency services were called at 4.42pm local time after reports of a dog attacking a child near Jefferson Highway and School Bus Road, the Louisa County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies arrived to find the animal still biting the seriously injured boy and were forced to kill the dog to bring the attack to an end.
Garcia was airlifted to hospital but was later pronounced dead. His family subsequently released his identity. Deputies identified the dog as an American Bully.
Community Reaction and Fundraiser
Thomas Mason, a neighbour, said he watched from his home as paramedics arrived. "I saw a lot of the aftermath of the helicopter landing, all of that," he told WRIC ABC 8News. "So it was definitely a sad situation."
An investigation is under way, and further information about the incident, including who owned the dog, will be released when "available and appropriate", the sheriff's office said. Garcia had recently started attending preschool at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Louisa, according to an online fundraising appeal.
Family Tributes and Support
The fundraiser, set up to help cover funeral costs and support Garcia's mother, described him as a "bright, sweet little boy" with a "beautiful smile". At the time of writing, it had drawn more than $24,000 (£17,900).
In an update on Wednesday, Indigo Pangea thanked people for their donations and messages on behalf of Garcia's family. She said: "The generosity and support from this community and the community-at-large is appreciated more than words can say. Your kindness during this terrible tragedy will help ease some of the burden bearing down on this loving family. Please continue to hold them in your prayers."
