Carlton Freeman, who lost both of his legs to diabetes several years ago, was "going down the side of the road" in his wheelchair when a pack of dogs started biting him, ABC News 4 in Charleston, S.C., reported Tuesday.

The Harleyville, S.C., resident reportedly tried to fight off the dogs, which the family members described as pit bulls.


Freeman's coroner said it was amazing that the elderly man was able to stay alive so long without the use of his legs.

"He had bites and lacerations from his legs to the top of his head," the coroner said. "This is very sad story, but even worse that Mr. Freeman was basically helpless to the attack, due to being a bi-lateral amputee."

Neighbor and family member Barbara Goodwin admitted to owning three of the dogs -- a mother and two puppies -- who were found with blood on their fur.