What started as a regular Wednesday morning in Columbus, Ohio, became an unimaginable nightmare. Seven-month-old Elizah Turner was fatally mauled by one of her family’s three pit bulls inside their home. Despite emergency responders arriving quickly and rushing her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Elizah was pronounced dead at 11:43 a.m. on April 10, 2025.
The dog responsible had reportedly never shown aggression before. The incident left first responders and neighbors shaken, and many asked the same question: How could this happen so fast and without warning?
A Family’s Worst Fear, Realized
Elizah’s mother, Mackenzie Copley, shared a heart-wrenching post on social media after the attack. She described the dog — one the family had raised and trusted — as Elizah’s “best friend.” The grief is unbearable, she said, especially because there were no signs that anything was wrong. It was sudden, brutal, and irreversible.
The family had three pit bulls at the time, all now in the custody of Franklin County Animal Control. No decisions have been made yet about the dogs’ futures.
No Charges Filed — But the Debate Is Back
Columbus Police ruled the incident a tragic accident, and no charges have been filed. But the case has stirred up an all-too-familiar debate in Ohio and across the country: should certain dog breeds be banned?
While cities like Cincinnati and Lakewood have breed-specific bans in place, Columbus currently does not. Pit bulls — a group of breeds known for their strength and sometimes unpredictable behavior — remain legal, and popular, across many parts of Ohio.
Critics argue that this case is another reason to revisit those laws. Others insist that what matters is not the breed but the way dogs are raised, trained, and supervised.
Community Comes Together
As word spread, the Columbus community rallied around the family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised thousands of dollars for funeral costs. Friends and neighbors are offering meals, support, and silence — because sometimes, there’s just nothing you can say.
A memorial service for Elizah is scheduled for Monday, and many are expected to attend. “She was sunshine,” a family friend wrote. “And now it’s cloudy forever.”
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