Warning: this article discusses the death of a baby, which may be distressing to some readers.
A mother expressed that she feels ‘lost and broken’ after the sudden death of her seven-month-old daughter.
An Ohio family is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after their pit bull fatally attacked their infant.
The baby girl, Elizah Renee Lynn Turner, has been identified as the victim. Her obituary states she passed away on April 9.
Elizah’s parents, Kameron Turner and Mackenzie Copley, owned three pit bulls.
Social media photos shared by Mackenzie suggested a close bond between her pets and her seven-month-old, making the attack even more baffling to the family.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Mackenzie expressed her devastation over Elizah’s sudden death.
According to the New York Post, she wrote: “I will never understand why!! […] I am so lost and broken. This was the same dog who was side by side with my baby every single day.”
Kameron also shared his sorrow on social media, describing life as ‘so unfair’.
“How can I continue living without her,” the grieving father questioned.
In response to the tragic event, the family’s three dogs were removed by Franklin Animal Control as police continue their investigation.
Authorities reportedly consider the incident ‘accidental’ and are not pressing charges against the parents.
Elizah’s obituary poignantly remembered her as a child who was ‘never without a smile’.
It states: “Lizah was spunky, happy, loved watching Miss Rachel, and she was never without a smile. She brought light to everyone’s life, healed her family’s hearts, and gave them all purpose.
“Her favorite times were spent laughing with mom and dad. Her grandpa gave her the nickname ‘Kickin Wing’. Every time someone new walked into the room, her legs would start kicking because of how excited she was to see you. Elizah’s face would light up the room, and her laugh was contagious.”
A GoFundMe page has been created by a friend of Mackenzie’s to support the family during this difficult period and to assist with Elizah’s funeral expenses, scheduled for Monday (April 14).
The fundraiser description states: “No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain. In a matter of moments, their beautiful journey as new parents was turned into one of unimaginable grief and heartbreak. As they try to comprehend a future without their baby girl, the weight of emotional, financial, and practical burdens is overwhelming.”
The description continues: “Mackenzie and Kameron had just moved into their new home, full of hope and dreams for their family. Now, they face the reality of having to step away from work to grieve, to process, and to somehow begin healing from this profound loss.”
The fundraising goal is set at $15,000, and so far, just over $3,500 has been contributed.
If you are experiencing grief and wish to speak with someone confidentially, you can reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.