Milford baby’s death draws online support for family
MILFORD — A Milford family has suffered the accidental death of a 2-week-old boy bitten by the family dog on Feb. 16 and the community is responding, with donations pouring into a GoFundMe page.
Brayden Burwell Heery died of a blunt impact injury to his head, according to a spokeswoman from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which listed the cause of death as accidental.
Firefighters went to the Heery home after the Milford Emergency Operations Center got a 911 call at 5:17 p.m. that day reporting that a dog had bitten an infant. They found the incident “as initially reported,” treated Brayden and took him to Bridgeport Hospital for further evaluation and treatment, firefighters said in an email.
A family member thanked emergency responders for their efforts.
“We had a terrible accident with our family pet and we lost my nephew in the process,” said a tearful Kevin Morse, co-founder of On Scene Media New Haven County, a Internetbased media company that posts footage and livestreams of crimes and accidents.
Morse described his nephew as two weeks old and thanked Milford police and firefighters and the staffs of Bridgeport and Yale-New Haven hospitals who “did literally everything they could” to save the baby, Morse said in a video clip dated Feb. 21.
The fundraising page had received $17,425 in donations as of 1 p.m. Monday.
“Brayden, though only with them for a fleeting moment, has forever left an indelible mark on their hearts. In the midst of their grief, we want to extend our love and support to help ease the burden of their financial worries during this incredibly difficult time,” said Natalie Kikkenborg and Nichole Mazzara who described themselves as family friends in a statement on the GoFundMe page.
“As they navigate funeral expenses, medical bills, and the emotional toll of losing a precious life, we urge you to join us in offering whatever support you can. Every contribution, whether big or small, will make a difference in helping the Heery family focus on healing rather than financial strain,” they said.
Born Jan. 30, Brayden is survived by his parents, Joseph and Shelley Heery; his older brother, Joseph Heery Jr.; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; maternal grandparents, Doug and Linda Morse; paternal grandparents, Kevin Heery and Danica Reed; great grandparents, Shirley Heery, Barbara Reed, and Judy Emmons; and godparents, Kelly Hoyt and Patrick Paulson, according to his obituary.
The funeral home, 107 Broad St., will host family and friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with Saint Peter Episcopal Church, 71 River St., holding a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can go to New England Donor Services.