LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The man hospitalized and critically injured from a crash last Wednesday on U.S. 95 north near Jones Boulevard has died.
David Kingsley died Saturday, according to family.
His dog, Nikita, and her seven puppies were relocated to The Animal Foundation following the crash. Kingsley's grandson, Dominic Garcia, said he's been working on getting the dogs back home.
PREVIOUS: U.S. 95 crash victim's dogs taken to Animal Foundation; now caught up in a conflict
In a statement to Channel 13, Garcia said, in part, "I told him I'll take care of Nikita and her pups. Instead I'm having to do a circus act to even see her. "
According to the Animal Foundation, the owner's passing means the agency must determine the next-of-kin and it is currently aware of three individuals who are relatives. The agency also said the dogs are currently still in a 10-day hold put in place by the Las Vegas Animal Protection Services.
On behalf of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services, a spokesperson said, in part:
"The owner was not a licensed breeder in the City of Las Vegas. City ordinance 7.14.040 states that the offspring of animals that have not been spayed or neutered as required by this chapter are subject to forfeiture, following which they may be given to the care of a local shelter for adoption. Due to the age of the puppies, it is in the mother's and the puppies' best interest to stay together and enter foster care until they are weaned. The mother can then be spayed and returned to the next of kin. Once the puppies are old enough to be adopted, should the family want to adopt them, they would undergo the Foundation's adoption process."
The following Wednesday, the Las Vegas Animal Protection Services added, "The city of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services team is actively working with the family to make sure that there is an opportunity for them to reclaim the animals at the appropriate time."
