A Florida man, Michael Arthur Fabjon Jr., 49, tragically passed away on February 9 from life-threatening injuries sustained in a dog attack on February 4. Fabjon was taken to Bay Medical Center in Panama City Beach after being attacked by a neighbor’s “aggressive” dog, a pit bull named Gunner. According to authorities, Fabjon was outside with his own dog when a fight broke out between the two animals. After the confrontation was broken up, Gunner reportedly returned to the scene and attacked Fabjon, biting him on the neck. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, performing CPR before transporting Fabjon to the hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries days later.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) launched an investigation into the attack, and during their response, they arrested Gunner’s owner for obstructing officers and animal control officers. On February 5, Fabjon was identified as the victim, and he was in critical condition at the time. Authorities stated that both Fabjon’s dog and Gunner had a history of prior altercations.
The BCSO further reported that after the attack, Gunner’s owner barricaded himself in his house and falsely claimed that Fabjon’s dog had attacked him. Animal control later euthanized Gunner, determining that the dog posed a significant danger to the public.
In his obituary, loved ones remembered Fabjon as the “life of the party,” always bringing joy and laughter to those around him. He is survived by his daughter, son, parents, brother, and his dog, Beasty Boy.
The incident remains under investigation, and while the breed of the dog is not considered a primary concern, authorities are focusing on whether the dog had been previously classified as dangerous.
