Family on Tybee Island loses dog in tragic accident, authorities say

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) – The Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) says a family dog has died in an accident involving children who had no desire or intent to harm their beloved pet.

According to the department, just after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, a man called 911 in an effort to obtain emergency medical help for the family dog.

Tybee Island Police and Fire personnel responded to the scene, but ultimately were unable to save the animal’s life.

During the course of the investigation, authorities say they learned earlier that day, two children had walked out of their vacation rental to get personal belongings from a car parked in the driveway.

The TIPD says, unbeknownst to the kids, the family’s small dog had followed them outside, and jumped into the vehicle before they closed the door. As they walked away, the dog was unfortunately trapped within.

Authorities say sometime later, the children’s father realized that the dog was nowhere to be found and began to investigate. By the time the dog was located, it was in the midst of a medical crisis, prompting the family to call for help.

The TIPD said in a Facebook statement on Sunday, “Our hearts remain with the family, and any who may have been affected, as they attempt to move forward from this incident.”