An elementary school in Volusia County is honoring the memory of an 8-year-old boy who was fatally attacked by dogs while riding his bicycle in a local neighborhood.
Shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday, January 13, in a neighborhood located north of DeLand, 8-year-old Michael Millett was attacked by a pair of dogs. He sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and local Animal Services officers responded to the area and spotted the loose dogs down the road. Both animals were captured, and they were later euthanized.
“I don’t know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood on the evening of January 13. “This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents. I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare.”
In honor of Michael, McInnis Elementary School (5175 N Highway 17 in DeLeon Springs) unveiled “Michael’s Buddy Bench on Wednesday, May 28. The bench is “a special place where students can remember Michael and share stories about him.”
Michael’s family was joined by the school’s students to celebrate Michael’s “energetic spirit and the laughter he brought to those around him.”
In a social media post on Wednesday, McInnis Elementary stated that its students also created heart rocks to place by the bench as a “heartfelt gesture to honor the energy and joy (Michael) shared with our school.”