Community Raises Over $125K for Single Mother After Her Son, 7, Is Killed in Dog Attack at Their Home

Leelan Swift was mauled to death by a dog on Feb. 4 in Colorado

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 7-year-old boy named Leelan Swift was killed in a dog attack at his home in Gunnison, Colorado on February 4th. Despite efforts by police to intervene and provide life-saving measures, Leelan died from his injuries. The local community has rallied around Leelan's single mother, Kirsten "Kirky" Swift, raising over $125,000 through a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and relocation.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has deeply impacted the small community of Gunnison, Colorado, where dog attacks are uncommon. The outpouring of support for Leelan's mother highlights the community's desire to help a grieving family in their time of need, while also raising broader questions about pet ownership laws and public safety.

The details

According to officials, when police arrived at the scene, one officer was forced to shoot and kill the dog that was attacking Leelan. While one officer eliminated the threat, the other tried to perform life-saving measures on Leelan until first responders arrived, but it was too late. Leelan was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

  • The attack occurred on February 4, 2026 at Leelan's home in Gunnison, Colorado.
  • Leelan was pronounced dead at a local hospital following the attack.

The players

Leelan Swift

A 7-year-old boy who was killed in a dog attack at his home in Gunnison, Colorado.

Kirsten "Kirky" Swift

Leelan's single mother who is grieving the loss of her young son.

Scott Cline

A friend who organized a GoFundMe to help Kirsten Swift cover funeral costs and relocation.

Amanda Wilson

The Gunnison city manager who provided details about the police response to the attack.

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What they’re saying

“This was a tragic incident that has been extremely difficult for the family, first responders and our community as a whole. The loss of a child in his home is a deeply private matter and the details are difficult to communicate and even harder to hear.”

— Amanda Wilson, Gunnison City Manager (The Colorado Sun)

“Anyone who knows Kirky knows how deeply she cares for others—now is our chance to return that kindness.”

— Scott Cline, GoFundMe Organizer (GoFundMe)

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and have not provided details about the dog or its owner at this time.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking tragedy has brought the Gunnison community together to support a grieving mother, highlighting the importance of pet ownership laws and public safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.