One family in Hazel Park, Michigan thought they were just doing their friend a favor when they agreed to watch their friend’s dog — but things went terribly wrong.

A 4-year-old boy named Benjamin died this past Tuesday after being brutalized by a pit bull in Hazel Park which is a suburb of Detroit.

Police were called to the scene at 6:44pm after Benjamin’s older sister called 911. She reported that her mother was trying to stop the dog from attacking her brother. When officers arrived, they found the dog actively attacking the 4-year-old inside the home.

Quick thinking enabled the officers to deploy tasers, which resulted with the 60-pound pit bull to free its grip on Benjamin. The dog then fled from the home.

Police say Benjamin had injuries to his body and neck, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The 38-year-old mother of the child was also taken to a hospital for injuries sustained while trying to protect him. Her injuries were not life threatening, police say.

WXYZ reported that the dog was later found with knife wounds to its body caused by the boy’s mother. The dog was then taken to a vet where it was euthanized.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Benjamin’s family released the following statement:

“On October 29, 2019, we experienced a family’s worst nightmare when a dog took the life of Benjamin. No words can ever explain the depth of our love for him. This has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, friends, and those who knew our sweet boy. A kind gesture to help a friend in a time of need, for a dog that was said to have never shown aggressive behaviors has turned into a horrifying loss for our family. We have learned that we are far from alone in our struggle, as diligent and loving parents from all walks of life have suffered this catastrophic loss under similar horrifying circumstances.”

A GoFundMe page has been sent up to help with memorial services.