Alabaster, AL – A heartbreaking tragedy struck a family in Alabaster on Friday morning when a 6-month-old baby girl, Ember Renee Southard, lost her life after being attacked by a dog at a family member’s home.
Dog Attack in Alabaster: What Happened?
According to the Alabaster Police Department, the attack took place around 10 a.m. at a residence on 10th St SW. The baby was reportedly in the care of a family member when the incident occurred. Authorities confirmed that two dogs were present at the home, both of which have been placed under a mandatory 10-day quarantine by animal control.
Bibb County Coroner Patrick Turner stated that Ember was rushed to Children’s of Alabama, but despite the medical team’s best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries at 1:10 p.m.
Her devastated mother, Anna Southard, revealed that Ember was attacked by an 11-year-old American Bully—a dog that had previously never shown aggression towards children.
Mother Shares Devastating Details
In an emotional statement, Southard recounted the tragic morning, explaining that she had left Ember in the care of a trusted family member for a brief 20-minute period while taking her grandmother to a doctor’s appointment. However, she received a frantic phone call before even checking in at the clinic.
“I raced home and arrived just behind the ambulance. My daughter already looked dead,” Southard shared. “I hit my knees in the driveway. I begged for her to be okay, but deep down, I already knew.”
What Led to the Attack?
According to Southard, the family member who was watching Ember fell asleep with the baby on their chest. The infant slipped off and was mauled by the dog. The family member later suffered a seizure after the attack, but this occurred after Ember was already in the ambulance.
Southard expressed unimaginable grief and anger, stating, “I will NEVER forgive this family member for falling asleep with my daughter on their chest. Never.”
No Charges Filed Yet, Investigation Ongoing
Alabaster police have launched an investigation but have not yet filed charges. Authorities have left the decision in the hands of the Shelby County district attorney and grand jury.
Despite her initial anger, Southard says she is not actively pushing for charges. “This was an accident—an avoidable one. But an accident nonetheless,” she said. “I think the punishment of knowing what their neglect did to my daughter will haunt them for the rest of their life.”
Community Support & Safety Warnings
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover Ember’s funeral costs. Southard urges the community to hold their babies closer, practice safe sleep, and keep dogs away from infants.
“No matter how well-behaved a dog is, no matter how long it has been around children, it can still kill an infant. Please don’t take the risk,” she pleaded.
Final Thoughts: Remembering Ember
Described as a joyful, smiling baby with bright eyes and wild red-blonde hair, Ember was lovingly nicknamed “Noodle” by her family. “She had the sweetest squeal and loved to smile before spitting up on you,” Southard recalled. “There wasn’t a soul that met her that didn’t love her.”
As the investigation unfolds, this tragic incident serves as a critical reminder of the unpredictability of pet behavior and the importance of infant safety measures.
If you would like to contribute to Ember’s memorial fund, donations can be made through GoFundMe, Cash App, or Venmo.
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