A toddler aged 17 months has been killed in an animal attack after wandering away from his Louisiana home.
De Angelo Manning was found dead in a clearing around a half mile from a home on Winkler Road, in Claiborne.
The Sheriff’s Office had been notified that Manning and a 4-year-old had been missing and walked away from the property shortly after 10am on Monday.
Shortly after, deputies found the 4-year-old wandering a half mile from the residence.
The child was treated by EMS teams and was found to be uninjured except for minor scratches.
De Angelo Manning was found dead in a clearing around a half mile from a home on Winkler Road, in Claiborne
Shortly after midday, Manning was found dead in an area where timber had recently been harvested
The Sheriff’s Office had been notified that Manning and a 4-year-old had been missing and walked away from the property on Monday
Deputies, state troopers, canine officers, volunteer firemen and private citizens continued the search for the toddler.
Shortly after midday, Manning was found dead in an area where timber had recently been harvested.
Sheriff Sam Dowies said the apparent cause of death appeared to have been the result of an animal attack.
The Claiborne Parish coroner directed that Da Angelo’s body be sent for an autopsy.
It remains unclear what animal attacked the toddler, with officers still investigating his death.
The boy’s mom Angelica Marquez said in a post: ‘I found out I was pregnant [with] you on my birthday it was a big surprise for me.
‘I was happy, so happy to have you, your brothers loved you so much still do you where my baby.
‘You where always smiling you will bring a smile out of people, you where amazing trust me you where my snoopy my best friend.
‘I remember the day me and your daddy chose your name while you where in my belly.
His mom Angelica Marquez, pictured here, shared a post to social media about the toddler after his passing
It remains unclear what animal attacked the toddler, with officers still investigating his death
So far, just under $2,000 has been donated to help the family with the burial costs of the toddler
‘I remember you help me get through so much on the hard times you do not know how sorry I am that I wasn’t there.
‘I’m trying to keep calm for your brothers, I hate so much that you didn’t meet your brother, that I didn’t hold you one last time, kissed you and said I love you because I love you son, I’m so hurt and so mad.
‘I just don’t know how to get through this baby I’m so sorry.’
Following the youngsters passing, relative Evelyn Ayala has started a fundraiser for her family.
With a target of $10,000, to help with funeral costs, the family have already raised $1,800.
In sharing the fundraiser, Ayala said: ‘My family is going through a very difficult time at the moment.
De Angelo Manning, son of my cousin Angelica Marquez had a fatal accident in which he lost his life.
We are asking to help to cover his funeral expenses. At the moment she is not receiving calls, and we would appreciate it if you could understand the situation that has happened.’