A Colorado mother suffered an unimaginable loss earlier this month when her young son died in a dog attack.
Leelan Swift, 7, died on Feb. 4 after being attacked at his home in Gunnison, about 150 miles south of Aspen.
City officials said two local officers rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the attack. City Manager Amanda Wilson told KJCT that an officer fired a single shot to stop the dog, which was in contact with the child. The shot did not injure the boy, but it killed the dog, officials said. While one officer addressed the threat, the other performed life-saving measures until first responders arrived.
“This was a tragic incident that has been extremely difficult for the family, first responders and our community as a whole,” Wilson told the Colorado Sun, adding that the loss has been painful to discuss.
In the aftermath, the community has rallied around Kirsten “Kirky” Swift, a single mother raising Leelan and his older brother.
A friend organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and assist the family with relocating. As of Thursday, Feb. 12, it had raised more than $125,000, with much of the support coming from local residents.
“Anyone who knows Kirky knows how deeply she cares for others—now is our chance to return that kindness,” wrote organizer Scott Cline.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and have not released additional details about the dog or its owner.
