Metro-east man dies in dog attack in his home, coroner says
A 53-year-old Alton man died after being mauled by a dog in his home, the Madison County Coroner said Monday.
Robert W. Echols of Lovejoy Lane was pronounced deceased after the attack on Friday, Coroner Nick Novacich said in a news release.
Echols lived with his brother, who called 911 after he tried to enter the residence and the dog attempted to attack him, Novacich said.
The brother was able to contact a neighbor, who allowed him to use his phone to call 911 at 4:53 p.m.
Preliminary findings from an autopsy show Echols’ injuries “were consistent with animal bites.”
Funeral arrangements for Echols are being handled by Marks Mortuary in Wood River.
Along with the coroner’s office, the Alton Police Department is investigating the death.
The coroner’s statement did not say what type of dog attacked Echols and no other details were released.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of 43 fatal dog attacks have occurred annually nationwide between 2011 and 2021.
This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 12:53 PM.
