2009 Dog Bite Fatality: Huron County Veteran Killed by Three Dogs

Autopsy Complete archived
UPDATE 04/15/09: An autopsy confirms that David Whitenack, Jr. (previously reported as "Whiteneck") died as a result of an attack by dogs. Dr. Kanu Virani, forensic pathologist and Oakland County deputy chief medical examiner, conducted the autopsy. "It was determined Mr. Whitenack died from multiple puncture wounds, which numbered between 150 and 200," said Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson, adding that the bite wounds covered Whitenack’s entire body.

The preliminary investigation indicates Whitenack was attacked outside the camper by three non-neutered male dogs, which were reported to be blue heeler-Australian shepherd mixes. According to police, Whitenack did not have a vehicle or a cellular phone to call for help. It’s believed the dogs, which also lived on the Leavine property, had Whitenack trapped inside, and he was unable to reach a neighbor’s house to get help following the vicious attack.

It is unknown, however, who had been caring for the dogs since Leavine -- who suffers from a life threatening illness -- no longer lives on the property. While the cause and manner of Whitenack's death has been determined, the time of his death has not. Witnesses have come forward to say that Whitenack was last seen around noon on Saturday in the Port Austin area. The Huron County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with more information to come forward.

04/15/09: Property Owner Identified archived
Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said the property was owned by Frank Leavine (6028 Carpenter Road). He was also told that Leavin owned the three mixed-breed dogs. Hanson described the animals as extremely vicious and a harm to the community. "It wasn’t because they were hungry -- there was food found on the property," Sheriff Hanson said. The dogs that attacked Ignash, and are believed to have fatally attacked Whitenack, were destroyed at the scene.

According to Hanson, Ignash and Franzel went to the property in search of Whiteneck when they came across three aggressive dogs. Hanson said Ignash was attacked by the dogs, and Franzel was able to beat the dogs off of Ignash. The two continued their search for Whitenack, checking the camper that was strapped to a snowmobile trailer, where Whitenack was living. He was found dead inside the camper. The friends then called 9-1-1 to alert authorities.

Police reports indicate that Whitenack, who was found shirtless, had several deep, wide wounds that appeared to be dog bites. Reports also indicate he was bitten throughout most of his body. A large amount of blood also was found inside the camper. Dr. Richard Lockard arrived on the scene to examine Whitenack’s body and where it was found. Whitenack was then transported to Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe, where Lockard further examined the body.

04/14/09: Mauling Victim Identified
Authorities have identified David B. Whitenack Jr. as the mauling victim. Friends found the mutilated remains of the 41-year old veteran yesterday on the property another friend owns in Dwight Township. Whiteneck lived in a camper propped on a snowmobile trailer on the property. Huron County sheriff's deputies destroyed the three "mixed-breed" dogs investigators believe killed Whitenack and attacked his friends Douglas Ignash of Kinde and Randy Franzel of Filion.

04/14/09: Autopsy for Veteran Planned
Kinde, MI - In a developing story, a 41-year-old veteran may have been mauled to death by vicious dogs in Huron County. The sheriff's department says it was called to the man's property after a neighbor found the longtime Huron County resident's body inside a small camper. Radio station WLEW-AM reports that a neighbor was also severely bitten by three dogs, which had to be beaten off by another neighbor. An autopsy of the 41-year old victim, still unnamed, is planned.

Related articles:
08/19/09: 2009 Dog Bite Fatality: Senior Couple Killed by Pack of Dogs in Oglethorpe County
08/15/09: 2009 Dog Bite Fatality: Winterhaven Man Killed by Pack of Dogs