A GoFundMe campaign is underway to help support the family of an 8-year-old boy who was fatally attacked by dogs while riding his bicycle in a Volusia County neighborhood.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, a pair of dogs attacked the boy, Michael Millett, shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday, January 13, in a neighborhood north of DeLand, near the intersection of Arabesque Drive and Airport Road.
Michael sadly succumbed to his injuries.
The deputies who responded to the area spotted the loose dogs down the road and chased after them. Volusia County Animal Services officers also arrived on scene and captured both animals.
Animal Services stated that one of the dogs involved in the attack is a pit bull, and the other is a mixed breed. Both dogs have been confiscated and are being held in quarantine by Animal Services staff.
In a social media post, VCSO said that its detectives are working with Animal Services to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
“I don’t know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on Monday evening. “This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents. I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare.”
As Michael’s family mourns his tragic loss, a GoFundMe account has been set up to assist them with funeral expenses, medical costs, and additional expenses due to missed time off at work.
“On Monday, January 13, 2025, my niece Tiffani and her husband, Michael, lost their son, Michael in a tragic accident,” says Jackie Pasqualle Hart, the fundraiser’s organizer.
Hart described Michael as being an “incredibly smart” kid who was “funny, caring, loving, and so adventurous. Michael’s contagious laugh and light will be missed tremendously.”
As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, the GoFundMe campaign in support of Michael’s family has received nearly 900 donations, exceeding its goal of $50,000.