A tragic incident unfolded in Ohio this week after a family’s pet pit bull fatally mauled a 1-year-old girl inside her home—an attack one responding officer called “about as terrible an ordeal as we’ve come across in a long time.” Deputies from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the home just before 6 p.m. after the child’s mother, Nicole Blosser, frantically called 911.
Sheriff Orvis Campbell said Blosser reported that the dog had suddenly lunged at her daughter, Blakely, as she bent down to pick up laundry. Despite the mother’s desperate efforts to intervene, the dog inflicted fatal injuries on the toddler.
“Her mother clearly put up a fight; she had defensive wounds trying to get the dog’s jaws open,” Campbell said. When first responders arrived, they found the child dead at the scene, with severe bites to her face and throat.
Blosser told authorities that the pit bull had no prior history of aggression toward people, though it had previously shown hostility toward other dogs, Campbell added. The girl’s father, Derrick Blosser, who was not home during the attack, later took the devastating step of putting the dog down himself.
According to reports from Fox8, prosecutors are currently reviewing the incident, but no criminal charges are expected to be filed. Blakely, born May 23, 2024, was remembered in her obituary as a vibrant, joyful spirit who brought “immeasurable joy, light, and love” into the lives of everyone around her.
“With her bright eyes, infectious giggle, deep stare, and fearless, courageous spirit, she touched the hearts of everyone who met her,” the tribute read. “Her joyful essence shone brightest when she was playing with her brother. Their bond was pure and filled with laughter, offering moments of joy that will forever reverberate in the hearts of our family.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the Blosser family. As of Wednesday evening, it had raised more than $16,000 of its $20,000 goal. “No family should have to face something like this alone—and while we cannot take away their pain, we can help lift the burdens that come with it,” the fundraiser’s description said.
According to statistics from DogsBite, pit bulls were involved in 66% of fatal dog attacks in the United States between 2005 and 2019—a grim reminder of the potential dangers some breeds may pose.
