6-month-old dies after family member’s dog attacks her

Fell to her knees in the driveway

Reporting on the tragic death of a young child is always heart-wrenching, yet the memory of Ember Southard must be honored. Sadly, this precious little girl never had the opportunity to learn to walk, speak, or enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Her short life came to a heartbreaking conclusion on March 14, under the most tragic circumstances. As reported by WFLA, Ember, who hailed from Bibb County, Alabama, lost her life due to a dog attack.

The incident occurred at a relative’s residence in Shelby County, although Ember was originally from Bibb County. The attack happened around 10 a.m. on that Friday.

According to Ember’s mother, Anna, the events unfolded while she was preparing to take her grandmother to a medical appointment. Although she intended to bring her daughter along, family members assured her that leaving Ember for 20 minutes would be acceptable.

They had not even checked in at the doctor’s office, and had been away for less than 20 minutes when they received a call from the family member caring for Ember. Southard hurried home, arriving just after the ambulance.

Upon seeing her daughter, Ember appeared lifeless. Overcome with grief, she collapsed to her knees in the driveway, her knees scraped and bleeding from the fall. The words “dog attack” echoed in her ears as she learned that Ember had been mauled by an American Bully, an 11-year-old dog that had previously been gentle with children.

Ember was quickly transported by ambulance, with Southard in the front seat. She pleaded for her daughter’s safety, yet deep down, she feared the worst. The moment she saw Ember’s still, blue body, she sensed that her daughter would not survive.

The trauma team at the children’s hospital did everything within their power, but before Ember was taken into surgery, they informed Southard that her daughter’s chances of survival were extremely slim. Despite the dire prognosis, Southard continued to pray for her daughter’s recovery. Tragically, at 1:10, Ember passed away, despite the efforts of more than a dozen medical professionals.Authorities have reported that the dog involved in the attack was a family pet. At the time of the incident, two dogs were present in the home, both of which were promptly placed under a 10-day quarantine by animal control.

The Alabaster, Alabama Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into this unfortunate event. No arrests have been made as officials await guidance from the Shelby County District Attorney and Grand Jury.

In an email interview with WLFA, Anna, the mother of Ember, revealed that a family member had fallen asleep with Ember resting on their chest. “She had the sweetest smile,” Anna recalled. Tragically, when Ember slipped off, she was attacked by the dog. The family member, who suffers from epilepsy, experienced a seizure after Ember had already been taken to the ambulance.

“My daughter was incredibly sweet,” Southard reminisced. “She had the most delightful smile and the cutest squeal. Ember brought so much joy. She was a wonderful baby, always smiling with her big, beautiful eyes. She disliked being cold or wet. I can hardly express the anguish of cleaning the blood from my daughter and wrapping her in warm blankets to keep her comfortable. Only my grandparents and I saw her first after she passed; I didn’t want anyone else to see her until she was as clean and warm as possible.”

“Ember was affectionately nicknamed Noodle because, as a newborn, she had tiny, noodly toes, and the name just stuck. A little noodle. A perfect noodle. She was cherished by many. Ember had a talent for smiling at you just before spitting up. Her voice was the sweetest. She had just mastered rolling over. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. With her wild blonde/red hair and bright, expressive eyes, there was never a more perfect baby than my noodle.”

Anna has stated that she will not pursue legal action, despite her initial impulse to do so when she was overwhelmed with grief and anger. However, she firmly asserts that she will NEVER forgive the family member for falling asleep with her daughter on their chest. Never.Could have been avoided
Anna is convinced that this heartbreaking event could have been avoided.

“My daughter is gone forever because they failed to adhere to a basic rule. I strictly follow safe sleep guidelines and never allow my children near dogs like that. They are always supervised, with me holding them. I do not believe charges should proceed, and I will not be actively pursuing them. The knowledge of their negligence and its impact on my daughter will haunt them for the rest of their lives, as it should. It was an accident. An avoidable accident, but still an accident.”

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family with funeral costs, and many have extended their support. However, Anna has a message for those wishing to help during this difficult time:

“The most important thing the community can do for me is to hold their babies closer. Adhere to safe sleep practices. Keep dogs—ALL DOGS—away from your baby. Any dog has the potential to harm an infant. There is no justification for taking that risk. It is never worth it. Please, please keep your children away from dogs and follow safe sleep guidelines. This dog was 11 years old and had never harmed a human, let alone a child.” My heart goes out to you and your family, Anna. There are no words. Rest in peace, little Ember!