UPDATE: Police, DA’s Office identify 14-year-old student killed by dogs

May 10, 2019 7:04 am

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

DIGHTON, Mass. (WLNE) – The 14-year-old student killed in an apparent dog mauling incident has been identified.

Authorities responded to a call around 8:00 p.m. to Maple Swamp Road after a neighbor discovered the body of Ryan Hazel, 14, of Rehoboth, on the property.

Dighton Police and the Bristol County DA’s Office said Friday that Hazel was taking care of the dogs while the homeowner was away.

Hazel would routinely help out Scott Dunmore, a dog trainer who owns the property where Hazel was found.

Dunmore was in Boston last night when Hazel came over to help out with some chores.

He was killed when he let Dunmore’s pets outside.

His grandmother was waiting outside in a car and became concerned when he did not return, according to Bristol County DA Thomas Quinn.

A neighbor then went by to check-up on the Rehoboth teen.

“He eventually found Hazel in the rear yard suffering from traumatic injuries to several areas of his body,” Quinn said. “The injuries he sustained were too severe and he was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.”

Four dogs are believed to be responsible including Dutch Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois.

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“It sends chills down my spine,” neighbor Benjamin Caron said. “Awful situation I feel so bad about what happened to the kid.”

Bristol-Plymouth Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes released a statement Friday morning confirming that Hazel was a student at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School.

“Any student who may need or want help or who is scared, confused or struggling to process this tragedy should know that that help is available,” Superintendent Magalhaes said. “We are saddened by this loss in our school community, and as we come together, our leadership team will make every effort to provide assistance to our students, families and fellow employees as needed.”

The school activated its Crisis Response Team of grief counselors to assist grieving students. Counselors are also available to assist parents and families as well as employees.

Police said say the dogs have been seized and quarantined by Animal Control.

A “GoFundme” page has been put in place for Hazel’s family.

You can find that page here: https://www.gofundme.com/hazel-family-fund?fbclid=IwAR1w3OLAC6Jw4_N6d2RXOu0kFK2hS7PC_abKaraNwM__tqictDm81Oq9YgE