ALABASTER, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – A child has died after being involved in a dog attack at a family member’s home in Alabama.
According to the Shelby County Coroner’s Office, the 6-month-old baby was attacked by the family’s dog on March 14. She was taken to the UAB Hospital but she did not survive.
According to her obituary, Ember Renee Southard, affectionately called ‘Noodle’, is being remembered for her smile, her laugh and the huge impact she made on family and friends during her short life.
Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans said baby Ember was dropped off at another family member’s house that day.
A family member fell asleep with the baby in her lap and the baby fell. When the family member woke up, the baby was unresponsive, Evans said.
According to Evans, there were injuries all over the baby girl’s body consistent with a dog attack.
Ember’s mother, Anna Southard, said the situation was an avoidable one.
“It was an avoidable and tragic accident. My daughter is gone forever because of it,” she said. “Please, practice safe sleep. Please don’t allow your children around dogs.”
The mother said the animal involved was an 11-year-old dog that did not have a history of violence.
Evans said working cases like this is never easy.
“I feel sad whenever someone is doing what they normally do and they die as a result of something that is beyond their control or someone else,” she said. “I know we’re around our animals and we trust our animals but we always have to keep in mind that animals are animals and they’re unpredictable.”
The Alabaster Police Department said they are investigating.
Loved ones have since started a GoFundMe to help the family.
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