6-week-old baby fatally mauled in crib by family dog in Tennessee
Law enforcement officials in Tennessee confirmed they are investigating after the death of a newborn baby who was mauled by a family dog.
Knox County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Kimberly Glenn on Friday confirmed the child's death.
Glenn would not release details about the case including the call time and location, citing it was "confidential as it involved a juvenile."
But the baby's parents, Chloe and Mark Mansoor told WVLT-TV their 6-week-old child, Ezra, was napping in his crib when the family's husky attacked the baby.
According to a fundraisier posted on both parents' Facebook pages, the attack on their only child took place May 24. The baby was taken to a children's hospital in Knoxville in critical condition before dying on Thursday, according to the fundraiser.
"Baby Ezra passed away today with his family by his side and is in the arms of Jesus. Although Mark and Chloe are beyond devastated, they have found comfort in knowing that other children will receive the gift of life with his organ donation," organizer Lesley Richard wrote Thursday in an update.
As of Friday, donators had raised more than $7,500 to financially help the baby's parents.
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The couple told the TV station they owned the dog for eight years and had no issues with their pet prior to the attack.
"Pray for all the family really, everyone loved him so much. I know everyone's grieving right now, we're grieving right now, and it's going to be a lifelong process trying to work through this," the child's mother told the outlet.
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Husky taken to animal shelter
The case remained open and under investigation Friday, officials said.
The dog was taken to an animal shelter in Knoxville per protocol.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.