Michael Millet: Florida bikers rally, raise money for DeLand boy attacked, killed by dogs | FOX 35 Orlando
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Michael Millet: Florida bikers rally, raise money for DeLand boy attacked, killed by dogs

By and
Published  March 23, 2025 2:07pm EDT
Volusia County
FOX 35 Orlando

Charity ride in honor of DeLand boy killed in dog attack

Nearly 200 bikers gathered early Sunday morning for a charity motorcycle ride in honor of 8-year-old Michael Millet, who was tragically killed in January after being attacked by two roaming dogs in his Volusia County neighborhood.

The Brief

    • Nearly 200 bikers gathered for a charity ride in DeLand to honor 8-year-old Michael Millett, who was fatally attacked by two dogs in January.
    • The event aimed to support Michael’s family, with riders expressing their hope that the gesture would bring them comfort.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Nearly 200 bikers gathered early Sunday morning for a charity motorcycle ride in honor of 8-year-old Michael Millet, who was tragically killed in January after being attacked by two roaming dogs in his Volusia County neighborhood.

"My soul screamed — you've got to do something"

What they're saying:

Organizer Mandy Shrader said she felt compelled to take action after learning about Michael’s story.

"My soul screamed — you've got to do something," Shrader said. "With my mouth and this village — everyone is going to show up."

Original Article: Dogs attack, kill 8-year-old boy near DeLand, sheriff says: 'Tragedy beyond comprehension'

And they did. One by one, riders pulled into the parking lot at Sledz East Cycles of DeLand, revving their engines in support of Michael’s family.

Michael Millett

Biker Jerome Adams was among those who showed up to ride.

"I heard about the charity ride this morning," Adams said. "This type of situation could have been avoided."

"This is a tragedy beyond comprehension"

The backstory:

On January 13, 2025, Michael was out riding bikes with friends when he and the other children stopped to pet the dogs, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The animals then attacked, fatally injuring the 8-year-old. 

The attack occurred just before 5 p.m. in a neighborhood north of DeLand, near Arabesque Drive and Airport Road, according to deputies. Witnesses called 911 and performed CPR on the child, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

In a social media post following the attack, Sheriff Mike Chitwood wrote, "This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents. I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare."

Related article: Florida boy killed by dogs while petting them, owner to be charged, sheriff says: 'He never had a chance'

What they're saying:

Shrader, who understands the trauma of dog attacks firsthand, said the tragedy hit close to home.

"My husband has been mauled by dogs—he survived his injuries, but it was traumatic enough," she said. "Plus, we have dogs and children."

Full press conference: Florida boy, 8, killed in dog attack

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood provided new details about the dog attack that left an 8-year-old boy dead during a briefing on Tuesday. According to Sheriff Chitwood, the boy, identified as Michael, was riding bikes with his friends in the neighborhood when they stopped at the front entrance of the subdivision to pet the dogs. It was at that moment that Michael was brutally mauled, officials said.

Riders participating in the event said they hoped their show of support would bring some comfort to Michael’s family.

"This little boy didn't have a chance to grow up, live his life, and live his dream," said biker Robert Chandler. "I hope the family feels the love we're pouring out for them today."

All proceeds from the charity ride will go directly to Michael’s family as they continue to navigate their unimaginable loss.

Sheriff Chitwood and the boy's father recently spoke before Florida legislators last week to support the Pam Rock Act, named after a Florida mail carrier who died after she was attacked by several dogs. The bill seeks to toughen penalties for owners of dangerous dogs and require stricter safety measures.

Pushing tougher laws to prevent dog attacks

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood testified in Tallahassee in support of the Pam Rock Act, named after a mail carrier killed in a dog attack.

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The Source: This story was written based on information gathered by FOX 35 reporter Randi Hildreth and information shared by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Mandy Shrader, Jerome Adams and Robert Chandler.

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