A little boy who clung to life for six days after a savage attack by two Pit Bulls has died from his injuries in hospital, police have announced.
Three-year-old Covil Allen and his mother Tasha Vega were visiting a friend’s house in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, on July 19 when the animals launched themselves at the boy.
The critically injured toddler underwent a series of emergency operations at Hennepin County Medical Center, and as recently as Tuesday the family were hopeful that he might pull through.
But his condition deteriorated and his parents Tasha and Charles began preparing for their young son to become an organ donor before he passed away on Thursday.
‘They are the most amazing humans and do not deserve to feel this pain,’ friend Lindsey Hemmerich wrote on a fundraiser.
Three-year-old Covil Lee before the Pit Bull attack that cost him his life
The little boy clung to life for six days in hospital before his death was announced on Thursday
Officers who were called to the scene said they had ‘never seen something so horrific before’, after bursting through a neighbor’s fence to tackle the animals, according to Police Inspector Elliot Faust.
They shot both animals but not before the dogs had seriously injured the boy’s mother as she fought desperately to save her son.
‘Tasha has already had two surgeries and will need a third on her calf to repair the damage, a skin graft will be needed,’ Lindsey wrote
Her husband Dustin posted a harrowing picture from the emergency room on Tuesday after Covil emerged from another operation.
‘Covil was originally in surgery for seven hours when he was rushed to HCMC,’ he wrote.
‘Saturday, Covil went in for an emergency surgery. He had lost some circulation in his leg. He came out ok, they got blood flowing; now the muscle wasn’t reacting so they’ll be watching that.
‘It can still come back. So prayers it does! They also did a CT on his head to make sure there is no brain bleeding. Covil’s right side chest tube was taken out today.
‘His brain pressure is down a bit (which is a goal) from yesterday.’
But the following day a Gofundme appeal was launched after doctors concluded there was little hope of recovery.
‘Chuck, Tasha, and Christian have begun the process with Life Source to donate Covil’s organs,’ Lindsey wrote.
Charles Allen, Tasha Vega and their two children Christian and Covil
This will honor Covil’s life, and save more children’s lives in the hope that no other parent has to endure the pain they they are experiencing right now.’
The fundraiser has already raised $25,000 of its $35,000 target.
One dog died at the scene and another was put down later.
Inspector Faust said charges may follow.
‘Our detectives are currently investigating the case and will be presenting it to a charging authority in the near future for their review,’ he added.
About 800,000 people receive hospital treatment for dog bites in the US each year according to the American Veterinary Association, and Pit Bulls are responsible for more attacks than any other.
They are also more likely to kill their victims, accounting for 28 percent of deaths over a 20 year period studied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
