Authorities said a 5-month-old boy suffered fatal injuries while another adult was also hurt during the attack.
ANDERSON, S.C. — A 5-month-old boy died after a violent dog attack at a home in Anderson County, South Carolina, authorities said, while another adult suffered serious injuries during the same incident at the residence earlier this week.
Investigators said the attack happened Thursday afternoon at a home on Wilson Street in Anderson, about 30 miles southwest of Greenville. Emergency crews responded shortly after 1 p.m. and found the infant critically injured. Officials said the child, identified as Dean Everett Gross, was first taken to AnMed Medical Center before being flown to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he died the following day. Authorities said the dog involved in the attack fled the scene before later being captured nearby. The case remains under investigation by local law enforcement and animal control officials.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and emergency medical personnel arrived at the home after receiving reports of a serious dog attack involving multiple victims. Investigators said the infant suffered severe traumatic injuries during the incident, while an adult inside the home also sustained serious injuries attempting to intervene. The adult was treated at a hospital and later released. Authorities have not publicly identified the injured person or explained their relationship to the child.
The Anderson County Coroner’s Office identified the baby as Dean Everett Gross and said he died Friday after approximately 24 hours in intensive care. Coroner officials ruled the manner of death accidental and said the child suffered multiple traumatic injuries. Investigators have not released details about the breed, size or ownership history of the dog involved. Officials also have not said how the attack began or how many people were inside the home at the time.
Authorities said the dog ran from the property after the attack, prompting a search in nearby neighborhoods and wooded areas around Cater’s Lake. Deputies and animal control officers later located the animal and took it into custody through Anderson County PAWS, the county animal shelter and adoption agency. Officials have not announced whether the dog will undergo behavioral evaluation or euthanasia proceedings while the investigation continues.
The death has drawn renewed attention to fatal dog attacks involving children across the United States, particularly incidents involving infants and toddlers in private homes. According to national tracking data compiled from law enforcement and medical reports, young children remain among the most vulnerable victims in severe dog attacks because of their size and inability to escape or defend themselves. Many fatal incidents occur inside residences where dogs and children live or interact in close proximity.
South Carolina authorities have not indicated whether any criminal charges will be filed in connection with the case. Investigators are expected to review veterinary records, witness statements and the dog’s ownership history as part of the inquiry. Officials also may examine whether the animal had previously shown aggressive behavior or been the subject of earlier complaints. No court hearings or formal legal proceedings had been announced as of Sunday evening.
Family members and community supporters have begun mourning the loss of the infant, describing him as a joyful child whose death has devastated relatives and friends. A fundraising campaign created to assist the family described Dean as deeply loved and remembered him for his “bright spirit” and “sweet presence.” The campaign said his parents are facing overwhelming grief while preparing funeral arrangements and other immediate needs following the sudden tragedy.
Neighbors in Anderson said the incident shocked residents in the normally quiet area near Wilson Street. Several residents reported seeing emergency vehicles rush toward the home Thursday afternoon as law enforcement officers searched for the dog nearby. Authorities have asked anyone with additional information about the attack or the dog’s background to contact investigators as they continue piecing together the sequence of events.
Officials said the investigation remains active and additional details could be released after forensic reviews and witness interviews are completed. Authorities have not announced a timeline for final findings, though updates are expected in the coming days as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
Author note: Last updated May 19, 2026.