Mother speaks out after 7-month-old baby is mauled to death by family pit bull
Warning: this article discusses the death of baby which some readers may find distressing.
A mother has described herself as being 'lost and broken' following the unexpected passing of her seven-month-old daughter.
An Ohio family is facing an unimaginable loss after their pit bull mauled their baby to death.
Elizah Renee Lynn Turner has been named as the baby girl who has died. She passed away on April 9, states her obituary.
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Elizah's parents, Kameron Turner and Mackenzie Copley, had three pit bulls.
From photos shared to social media by Mackenzie, it appeared as if her pets had a sweet bond with her seven-month-old, leaving the family questioning why the attack occurred.
Mackenzie took to Facebook to share a heartbreaking post in the wake of Elizah's untimely death.
She said, as per New York Post: "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 has also spoken out on social media and described life as 'so unfair'.
"How can I continue living without her," the grieving father went on.
Following the devastating incident, the family's three dogs were taken away by Franklin Animal Control, while police conduct an investigation into the matter.
Reportedly, law enforcement is not pressing charges against the parents and have said the incident was 'accidental'.
Elizah's heartbreaking obituary described her as 'never without a smile'.
It reads: "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 nickname 'Kickin Wing' was given to her by her grandpa. Every time someone new walked into the room her legs started kicking away because of how excited she was to see you. Elizah’s face would light up the room and her laugh was contagious."
A friend of Mackenzie's has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family through this difficult time and pay for Elizah's funeral — which is set to take place on Monday (April 14).
"No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain," the bio of the fundraiser reads. "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."
It goes on: "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 fundraiser has a target of $15,000. So far, just over $3,500 has been raised.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Niamh Shackleton