Alabama boy, four, is mauled to death by a neighbor's Olde English Bulldog despite father's desperate attempts to save him from 'gruesome' attack

A 'sweet' four-year-old Alabama boy was mauled to death by his neighbor's Olde English Bulldog in a gruesome attack.

Beau Clark was bitten by the dog on a private driveway in Oak Ridge on Monday night, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office confirmed to WAFF.

He was taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.

Beau's father Kevin Clark attempted to rescue his son, but was injured in the process. He was treated at the hospital and is now home recovering.

The dog was euthanized at the scene of the attack, which authorities have described as 'horrific' and has left a 'multitude of people' in the community 'hurting'.

Beau Clark, 4, (pictured) was bitten by the dog on a private driveway in Oak Ridge, Morgan County around 6pm on Monday

 Beau, pictured playing t-ball, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where he tragically passed away

Kevin Clark (pictured with his wife Hailey and their three sons including Beau) attempted to rescue his son, but was injured in the process. Kevin was treated at the hospital and is now home recovering 

Sheriff's deputies, firefighters and paramedics were called to Ramblewood Private Drive, off of Vaughn Bridge Road, around 6pm Monday for reports of a medical emergency.

Beau suffered serious injuries during the attack and was taken to a local hospital, where he tragically passed away. 

First responders also found Kevin had been hurt during the incident. 

Mike Swafford, Public Information Officer for the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, said Beau's death has 'touched probably four or five communities' within the area.

His mother, Hailey, is an English teacher at a local high school and the family was reportedly 'heavily involved' in the Hartselle City School District.

Beau died after being bitten by an Olde English Bulldog. Pictured is a stock image of the breed of dog that attacked the young boy

'There's a multitude of people who woke up today just hurting,' Swafford told the TV station on Tuesday. 'They had to go do things that required superhuman strength. 

'Those teachers who had to be in those classrooms with kids that were friends or kids who were in the classroom with these people, our hearts go out to them.' 

Hartselle City School District Superintendent Dr. Brian Clayton said the loss 'hits us hard' because 'so many people' in the 'small community' are connected to the Clark family.  The district is offering counseling for those affected by the tragedy.

Morgan County Coroner Jeffery Chunn echoed the sentiment, noting how in his nearly 43 years of public service he has 'never seen so many people come together as one' as they did following Beau's death.

'It makes you proud to live in a community and be a part of a first responder family like this. Please continue to pray for the family in the days to come,' he penned in a Facebook post. 

Meanwhile, the community is paying tribute to Beau and offering their prayers to the Clark family.

Facebook accounts belonging to Hailey and Kevin, who appear to have two other sons, are flooded with messages expressing love and condolences.

'We are all in constant prayer for you,' one wrote, adding that the faith the couple have had 'through this tragedy is such a testament to your character'.

'Beautiful baby boy… Praying so hard for you,' echoed another. 

Sheriff's deputies, firefighters and paramedics were called to Ramblewood Private Drive, off of Vaughn Bridge Road, around 6pm Monday for reports of a medical emergency

One mourner added: 'There are absolutely no words that could comfort you all during this tragic time. My prayer is that you can find comfort and peace in Him.'

The band Cain - a contemporary Christian group composed of siblings Taylor, Madison, and Logan Cain - posted a heartfelt tribute to Beau on Instagram.

The trio said revealed they were mourning 'our sweet nephew Beau', adding that the little boy was 'in heaven now, and that reality is nearly too much to bear'.

'We believe "goodbye is not the end," now more than ever,' the band posted. 

'Beau's parents Hailey and Kevin have been the most powerful example of glorifying Jesus in their pain. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. Please pray for our family.'

A GoFundMe fundraiser was created to support the family during this difficult time and has already amassed more than $80,000.