At around 4:40 p.m. that day, the Ogle County Sheriff's Department received a 911 call regarding a child who had been attacked by a dog in Monroe Center, a village of about 400 residents. Monroe Center is located approximately 19 miles south of Rockford.
The child was rushed to an area hospital and pronounced dead from their injuries. An investigation into the attack remains underway.
The Meridian Community Unit School District 223, where the child attended school, said on Facebook that it was mourning the unexpected loss of one of its students.
"We are devastated by this loss, and we ask that you respect the privacy of the family," the district said, in part. "As we have permission to share more information, we will do so as necessary. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers through this tragic time."
Support will be provided this upcoming week to help staff and students cope with the loss.
Reader Comments
"... prayers go out to the family and all who knew him well"