XL bully victim’s family: ‘We’re devastated’
Raphael Afesomu17th April, 2026 | News
The family of John McColl have spoken of their deep grief following his death, a month after he suffered serious injuries in an XL bully dog attack in Warrington, Cheshire.
Speaking to Sky News, relatives described the devastating impact of the incident, saying their lives have been permanently changed by the loss. They recalled John as a kind and well-loved man whose absence has left a painful void within the family. His death, they said, is something they are still struggling to come to terms with.
The attack occurred on 24 February last year, leaving John with severe injuries that required urgent medical attention. Despite efforts by healthcare professionals to save him, he later died from complications linked to those injuries. For his family, the period between the attack and his passing was filled with anxiety, hope, and ultimately heartbreak.
They expressed frustration and sadness over the circumstances surrounding the incident, questioning how such a tragedy could happen. While they stopped short of assigning blame publicly, they stressed the importance of accountability and the need for stronger measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The family also highlighted the emotional toll the incident has taken on them, describing sleepless nights and the ongoing trauma of reliving what happened. They said no family should have to endure such a loss, particularly in such sudden and distressing circumstances.
As they continue to mourn, John’s relatives hope his death will not be in vain. They are calling for increased awareness around dog safety and responsible ownership, urging authorities and the public to take the risks seriously.
Their message is clear: behind every headline is a grieving family, and more must be done to ensure that tragedies like this are prevented in the future.
