Toddler dies following Brooklyn Park dog attack, family says
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) - Nearly two weeks after being attacked by dogs in Brooklyn Park, the toddler involved has succumbed to his injuries, according to his family.
What happened?
On July 19, Covil Allen was in the backyard of a home in Brooklyn Park with his mother, Tasha, and older brother, Christian, to pick out a puppy when he was attacked by two dogs – the puppy's parents.
While Tasha and Christian were playing with a puppy, Covil was playing nearby. Tasha heard him scream and she and the dog's owner immediately moved to intervene.
Covil’s father, Chuck, explained that there had been misinformation about the incident, clarifying that the dogs involved were American Bulldogs, not pit bulls, and that Tasha immediately fought to free Covil from the attack before police arrived.
"It’s been a nightmare we can’t wake up from," Chuck Allen told FOX 9. "Every parent’s worst nightmare."
"It was the worst day of my life," Tasha said. "The dog had his whole head in his mouth."
By the time police and an ambulance arrived, Covil had been separated from the dogs, and CPR was being attempted. The dogs were put down to remove Covil from the backyard safely.
Covil suffered a fractured skull, jaw, collarbone, vertebrae, and a punctured lung. Tasha has had two surgeries on her right calf due to her own dog bite injuries and is awaiting a third surgery.
Covil was on life support for days. However, doctors ultimately told his family brain swelling eliminated his ability to breathe.
"He was on honestly probably 12 or 14 different medications," Chuck said.
"I’ve never seen so many IVs in my life," Tasha continued.
Family donates organ
Last week, his family announced Allen had no brain activity after the attack.
On Tuesday, the family said Allen was able to donate his heart to help save a 1-year-old girl.
"His heart of gold is in a 1-year-old baby girl and we’re just happy that his legacy can live on," Tasha said. "If we can make that family not be feeling what we’re feeling right now, at least something good can come from this tragedy."
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help the family with costs amid their grief.
Looking ahead
Covil’s parents say the Brooklyn Park dog breeders have remained silent.
"They never even contacted us to see how anyone’s doing," Tasha said.
"They never reached out to check on us," Chuck finished.
A Brooklyn Park police investigation continues, and on Tuesday law enforcement called it a dynamic and complicated situation.
Investigators expect to wrap up their work by the end of the week.