83-year-old Alabama man mauled to death by neighbor's dogs, reports say

An 83-year-old man was mauled to death by two dogs Sunday afternoon in Alabama, according to multiple reports.

Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies found Willard Norton unresponsive near his front door after the attack, which is believed to have occurred around 3:30 p.m., local media outlets including AL.com and WAFF reported.

Norton was rushed to a hospital where he died from his injuries, local reports say.

The dogs that attacked Norton were taken to the Lawrence County Animal Shelter by animal control, AL.com reported. County Coroner Scott Norwood has ordered the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to conduct an autopsy.

Norwood told WAFF he believed the dogs belonged to Norton's neighbor.

USA TODAY has contacted the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and Lawrence County Coroner's Department.

Willard Norton known in Town Creek as the 'watermelon man'

Norton's grandchild called him "one of the best people he knew," WAFF reported.

Norton was known as the "watermelon man" because he sold the fruits across Town Creek, roughly 50 miles west of Huntsville, and he adored his garden as if it was his child, the elder's family said, per WAFF.

The two dogs roaming around is not a new issue, as Norton's family said they've seen the canines on several occasions, according to WAFF.

Norton's family said they've had issues with the dogs roaming around the area in the past, WAFF reported.

The dog attack remains under investigation, according to AL.com. Any evidence will be presented to the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, the outlet reported.