A seven-year-old boy died of injuries he suffered when a dog attacked him at a Galesburg, Illinois home.
Ryan Maxwell, of Galesburg, was playing in the back yard while visiting a home in the 600 block of Whiting Avenue when he was attacked by a dog at about 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013.
Police said the dog was still biting the child when they arrived. Officers were able to get the dog off the child, and when the dog turned on police they shot and killed the animal.
Ryan was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.
Ryan was a second-grader at Nielson Elementary School. School officials arranged for grief counselors to be available there for students who need help coping with the loss.
His teacher, Travis Stecher described Ryan as a loving student with a happy-go-lucky spirit. He said Ryan had a lot of friends and that other students gravitated towards him.
"I'm glad that I got to have him this year and got to know him," Stecher says. "I am a better teacher and person for being able to have spent the time with him."
The school is providing counselors for the students, staff and parents to help cope with the situation.
An autopsy for Ryan was scheduled for Monday, March 4.
A memorial fund was established at Ryan Maxwell Memorial Fund, in care of F&M Bank, 21 East Main Street, Galesburg, Illinois 61401.
The visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th from 4-6pm at Hinchliff-Pearson & West in Galesburg.
