LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A 4-year-old boy who was fatally attacked by a dog Sunday afternoon has been identified by his family as Garcia Welch. “Garcia was a beautiful person inside and out," his aunt said in a statement to 8News. "Always smiling, always laughing, always ready to play. He br ought so much joy." According to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), authorities received a 911 call around 4:42 p.m. that a dog was attacking a child near Jefferson Highway and School Bus Road. 4-year-old Garcia Welch. (Photo: Cynthia Russ) The sheriff’s office said, when deputies arrived, the child was seriously hurt and still being bitten by an American bully. According to authorities, deputies were forced to put the dog down to stop the attack. Thomas Mason, who lives in the neighborhood, said he watched from his home as emergency medical crews arrived at the scene. “I saw a lot of the aftermath of the helicopter landing, all of that,” Mason said. “So it was definitely a sad situation.” The sheriff’s office said Garcia was taken to an area where he could be airlifted for medical treatment, but he died from his injuries. The preschooler attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, where his family said he was among the brightest in his class. In a message to families at the school, the principal shared that additional counselors are on-site to support students and staff as they process his loss. “A classroom of four-year-olds and pre-K ... you have to sit down and tell them that kind of thing and explain to them why there’s going to be an empty seat,” Mason said. “Now, that’s definitely the hardest thing that any one individual has to do.” A GoFundMe created to support Garcia’s family has raised more than $20,000 in two days. Mason said the fundraiser is one way the community can help the family during an incredibly difficult time. “A funeral is not a cheap expense, so I’m glad that we can at least help in some sort of way,” he said. Garcia’s aunt said the family appreciates the support they've received. “Garcia’s short life had such an impact on so many people, and we are so grateful for their support at this time,” she said in a statement. The Louisa County Sheriff's Office says it's actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact LCSO's Criminal Investigations Division at 540-967-1234. Information can also be provided anonymously through Louisa Crime Solvers at 800-346-1466. ...read more read less