Massachusetts

Funeral Date Set for Massachusetts Teen Mauled By Dogs

Ryan Hazel, a 14-year-old boy, died May 9 while he was feeding dogs he routinely took care of in Dighton.

The funeral for a Massachusetts teen who was mauled to death by dogs last week will take place on Saturday.

Ryan Hazel, a 14-year-old boy, died May 9 while he was feeding dogs he routinely took care of in Dighton.

A celebration of the Rohoboth teen's life will take place at 2 p.m. at His Providence Church in Swansea for relatives and friends. Visiting hours will be held before the service from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to his obituary, Hazel was passionate about working in the medical field and was enrolled in a community health program at Bristol-Plymouth Technical High School. He also played football, ran track-and-field and enjoyed riding horses.

Members of Hazel's school community say his death has hit them hard.

Hazel was discovered suffering from traumatic injuries at the house of a person he was dog-sitting for by a neighbor after his grandmother, who had taken him to the house, noticed he was taking longer than usual to feed the dogs.

The neighbor called 911 and attempted to resuscitate Hazel, but his wounds were too severe and he was pronounced dead by first responders on scene.

Four dogs were found in the yard, and a total of 11 dogs were taken by animal control. The owner of the dogs has reportedly been cooperating with the police and no charges have been filed.

An investigation is ongoing, but police said no foul play is suspected.

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