The mother of a Pittsburgh toddler who was mauled to death on Nov. 4 at the Pittsburgh Zoo inside the African painted dogs exhibit won’t be prosecuted in connection with the violent death.

But authorities are still looking into the zoo for possible criminal negligence.

On Nov. 28, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said the death of Maddox Derkosh, 2, at the zoo was a “tragic accident.” His mother, Elizabeth Derkosh, 34, brought the boy to the zoo, and lifted him up on the rail at the African painted dogs exhibit on Nov. to see better.

Witnesses say the boy then lunged forward, and fell into the exhibit, where he was attacked by the dogs and died from blood loss.

“Very unfortunately, in this situation, the dogs were doing what the dogs would normally do,” Dr. Baker said during a press conference from the Pittsburgh Zoo on Nov 5.

What do YOU think of the mom not being charged HollyMoms?

– Christina Stiehl

More Maddox Derkosh news:

1. Identity Revealed Of Boy, 2, Who Was Killed By African Dogs At Zoo
2. Child Killed By African Dogs At Zoo Died In Several Agonizing Minutes
3. Child Mauled To Death By 11 African Dogs At Pittsburgh Zoo

Maddox Derkosh, 2, tragically fell into the African painted dog exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo on Nov. 4, where he was viscously mauled to death in front of horrified onlookers. An autopsy confirms he died due to blood loss from the attack. Police and officials at the zoo are continuing the investigation into the toddler’s death, after he fell 14 feet from the barrier and into the exhibit where 11 dogs attacked him.

Witnesses say the boy fell onto a safety net designed to catch falling objects, but bounced out due to his small size.

“Very unfortunately, in this situation, the dogs were doing what the dogs would normally do,” zoo president Dr. Barbara Baker said during a press conference from the Pittsburgh Zoo on Nov. 5. “The question came to us of course immediately, ‘Why didn’t staff go in?’” she added, “it was too dangerous.”

The zoo closed on Nov. 4 following the attack, but reopened Nov. 6.

“The hardest part is going to be to explain to my kids that their playmate is no longer here,” family friend Rachel Majcher, 33, told TribLive.com. “His life will be celebrated.”

Maddox’s funeral will be held on Nov. 9, and his parents are asking for donations of toy construction trucks in the boy’s name to be given to a Christmas children’s charity.

Such a tragedy. Our thoughts are with Maddox’s family during this difficult time.

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