A 7-year-old Gunnison boy died Tuesday afternoon after the family’s two dogs attacked him in their own backyard. Police arrived within minutes and one officer fired a single shot to stop the attack, but Leelan Swift could not be saved.
The tragedy has rocked the tight-knit mountain town and sparked an outpouring of support for Leelan’s mother Kirsten “Kirky” Swift and his older brother Uriah.
What Happened in the Backyard
Gunnison police received the 911 call just after 3 p.m. on February 4. When officers arrived at the home on South 11th Street, they found the two family dogs actively attacking the child.
City Manager Amanda Wilson told reporters the officers had no choice. One dog was shot once and killed at the scene. The second dog was contained. Despite immediate CPR by officers and advanced life support from paramedics, Leelan was pronounced dead.
The attack happened in minutes and ended a little boy’s life in his own yard.
The dogs were family pets, Wilson confirmed. No additional details about breed or prior incidents have been released pending the ongoing investigation.
Officer Forced to Fire on Family Pet
“The officers got there incredibly fast,” Wilson said Wednesday. “They were put in an impossible position.”
The single gunshot struck the attacking dog and stopped the assault. Importantly, the bullet did not hit Leelan. The second officer immediately began chest compressions while waiting for Gunnison Valley Health paramedics.
Both officers are on standard administrative leave while the Colorado Bureau of Investigation reviews the officer-involved shooting.
Community Rallies Around Grieving Mother and Brother
Family friend Scott Cline set up a GoFundMe within hours of the attack. The original goal was $150,000 to cover funeral expenses and help Kirky and Uriah find a new place to live.
As of Thursday morning, donors from across Colorado and beyond had pushed the total past $215,000.
“I’m absolutely blown away by people’s kindness,” Cline said. “This community is showing up in ways I’ll never forget.”
Leelan was remembered by everyone who knew him as sweet, funny, and always in his favorite pajamas. Friends say he loved dinosaurs, superheroes, and giving hugs that lasted forever.
Pajama Party Planned to Honor Leelan
This Saturday, February 8, the Gunnison Community Center will host a pajama party in Leelan’s memory. Everyone is asked to wear their favorite PJs, the way Leelan always did.
There will be games, hot chocolate, and a chance for the town to cry together and celebrate a little boy who brought joy to everyone he met.
“He was just pure love,” Cline said, voice breaking. “That’s how we’ll remember him.”
Dog Attacks on Children Remain Rare but Devastating
Fatal dog attacks on children are mercifully uncommon, but Colorado has seen several heartbreaking cases in recent years.
According to data from DogsBite.org, Colorado recorded four fatal dog attacks between 2019 and 2024, with young children the victims in half those cases.
Experts continue to stress that any dog can bite under the right circumstances, but child supervision and proper training remain the best prevention.
In Gunnison County, officials say the investigation into what triggered Tuesday’s attack continues. The surviving dog remains in quarantine.
The Swift family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but the message from the community is clear: they will never grieve alone.
Little Leelan’s smile lit up Gunnison for seven short years. This weekend, hundreds will wear pajamas and hold each other a little tighter, making sure his light keeps shining.
What has this tragedy taught you about watching kids around even the most familiar dogs? Drop your thoughts below, and if you’re sharing on social media, please use #LeelanStrong so the family can see the love pouring in.
