In a tragic incident, a three-month-old boy, named Daymon Jair Balbuena, was fatally attacked by his family’s pit bull in their New Jersey residence. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the Avenel area of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
The attack took place around 6:00 a.m. when Daymon, who was alone in his room, started crying. The family’s pit bull had entered his room and initiated the assault by the time the baby’s cries were detected by family friends.
Upon hearing the child’s distress, Daymon’s mother, Sierra Kelley, 21, rushed to intervene. However, the dog attacked her as well. Daymon’s father, 27-year-old Henrylee Balbuena, also tried to help but sustained injuries in the process.
The Woodbridge Police responded to an emergency call at approximately 6:17 a.m. and discovered upon their arrival that Daymon had succumbed to his injuries.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, now leading the investigation, reported that the attack left Sierra severely injured, with wounds to her face, arms, and legs. Henrylee was also treated for injuries, the nature of which has not been specified. Both parents were hospitalized and later discharged.
Following the incident, the pit bull was put down by a veterinarian.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist the Balbuena family. The campaign has raised over $15,000 to cover funeral expenses. Kayla Gil, the campaign organizer, urged the community to rally around the grieving family, stating, “During this incredibly difficult period, we’re calling upon our community to unite and extend their support to them. As they shoulder this heartbreaking tragedy, let’s come together to demonstrate our collective compassion and solidarity.”
The funeral service for Daymon took place on Friday, March 15. His obituary commemorates the brief but impactful love he brought to his family and acknowledges the deep sorrow his loss has caused.
Tragically, Daymon Jair Balbuena became the fifth known young child to die from dog attacks in the US in less than a month. The other victims include two-week-old Brayden Heery Burwell in Milford, Connecticut; four-year-old Beau Clark in Hartselle, Alabama; Duke Miller Whittington in Monroe Center, Illinois; and two-year-old Mark Alan Partrain in New Hope, Alabama.