safety
12-year-old drowns after being attacked by dogs at the park, police investigate
By Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 1 min read
CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. (Gray News) – A 12-year-old boy was found dead in a lake after being attacked by two dogs, Mayor Marquette Hawkins said in a press release.Officers were called Thursday evening to respond to reports that four children had been attacked by two dogs and that the boy had trie...
Key takeaway (Gray News) – A 12-year-old boy was found dead in a lake after being attacked by two dogs, Mayor Marquette Hawkins said in a press release.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , the tragic incident in California City raises concerns about dog ownership and public safety in local parks. As the city continues to develop and expand its green spaces, ensuring that residents can enjoy these areas without fear of animal attacks is crucial. The fact that the dogs involved in the incident were off-leash but with an owner highlights the need for stricter enforcement of pet regulations in public areas. Nashville's own parks and recreation department may need to re-examine its policies on dog ownership and leash laws to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the city's parks and lakes. The community will be watching to see how local authorities respond to this incident and whether any changes will be made to improve public safety in Nashville's outdoor recreational areas.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. (Gray News) – A 12-year-old boy was found dead in a lake after being attacked by two dogs, Mayor Marquette Hawkins said in a press release.Officers were called Thursday evening to respond to reports that four children had been attacked by two dogs and that the boy had trie...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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