A 56-year-old man was found dead Thursday night in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side after what investigators say appears to have been a dog attack. Officers discovered the man unresponsive in a yard on the 2000 block of West 47th Street just before 9 p.m., and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said a preliminary review of his injuries indicated they were caused by a dog, and a death investigation is now underway.
Chicago police told CBS Chicago that the victim was 56 and was discovered shortly before 9 p.m. in the 2000 block of West 47th Street. Officials have not said how many dogs may have been involved or whether any owners have been identified. Detectives assigned to the department’s death-investigation unit are handling the case while the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office reviews the injuries and the scene.
Investigators, medical examiner to review cause
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for examining sudden or suspicious deaths and may order an autopsy, toxicology testing and other lab work to determine the cause and manner of death. According to the office’s published FAQs, autopsies and related testing can take weeks to months to complete, and cases are sometimes listed as “pending” while those results come in. Detectives will ultimately combine evidence from the scene, any witness accounts, and the medical findings as they work to determine exactly what happened.
How rare are fatal dog attacks?
Fatal dog attacks are relatively uncommon nationwide. The National Center for Health Statistics recorded an average of about 43 deaths per year from being bitten or struck by a dog between 2011 and 2021. A recent review of animal-related fatalities notes that while nonfatal dog bites are far more frequent, deaths represent only a small share of dog-bite injuries and typically require detailed, case-by-case forensic and medical analysis.
Neighbors and next steps
Authorities have not released additional information about the animals involved or whether anyone could face criminal charges. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office will carry out any necessary examinations, and investigators are expected to release updates as more information is confirmed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department by submitting tips through the department’s online portal or by calling the non-emergency line at (312) 746-6000. This story will be updated as officials provide further details.
