At a Glance
- Beckett Brown, 3, died after being mauled by his grandmother’s American bulldog
- The attack happened Sunday, Jan. 11, in New York Mills, Minnesota
- Grandmother Kristen Nelson was injured trying to stop the dog
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the risks of unsupervised toddlers near large dogs
Beckett Brown died Sunday after climbing into an outdoor dog enclosure at his grandmother’s home. The 3-year-old suffered fatal injuries when the American bulldog attacked him in New York Mills, Minnesota.
The Attack
Kristen Nelson was caring for Beckett at her residence. Around 1 p.m., the toddler entered the dog’s outdoor enclosure. The animal turned violent, mauling the child.
Nelson tried to intervene. She sustained significant injuries while attempting to pull the dog away from Beckett.
Timeline of events:
- Jan. 11, ~1 p.m. – Beckett climbs into enclosure
- Moments later – Nelson tries to stop attack, gets hurt
- Immediately after – Nelson calls 911, drives both to hospital
- Same day – Beckett dies from injuries; Nelson transferred to Fargo hospital
Emergency Response
Nelson phoned emergency services while en route to Perham Health Emergency Room. She drove herself and Beckett the roughly 15 miles from her New York Mills home to the Perham facility.
Deputies met the pair at the hospital. Investigators began processing the scene and interviewing witnesses. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather evidence.
Beckett succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. Nelson was later transported to a Fargo hospital for additional treatment of her injuries. Officials have not released her current condition.
The Dog
The animal involved was an American bulldog owned by Nelson. After the incident, the family chose to euthanize the pet.
American bulldogs typically weigh 60-120 pounds and stand 20-28 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed is known for strength, loyalty, and protective instincts.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges. The Sheriff’s Office is working with child-protection workers and animal-control officers to determine whether any safety violations occurred.
News Of Losangeles contacted the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment. No further statements have been released.
Key Takeaways
- Always supervise young children around dogs, even family pets
- Secure outdoor enclosures with locking gates
- Teach toddlers to avoid entering animal spaces without an adult
- Know your dog’s behavior and triggers
The community mourns Beckett’s death while investigators piece together the final minutes before the attack. Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced.
