A Texas college student was killed Friday in a sudden and brutal dog attack while pet-sitting three pit bulls, authorities said.
According to the New York Post, the attack occurred in the backyard of a Tyler, Texas, home around 4:15 p.m., according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
Madison Riley, 23, was found dead after the dogs — which her mother said had always “seemed to love her” — turned on her in an inexplicable attack.
A neighbor called 911, prompting deputies to rush to the scene.
“The dogs then diverted their attention. All three of them to him,” said Sergeant Larry Christian, describing how a responding deputy had to fire at one of the dogs to protect himself.
Riley was studying early childhood education at the University of Texas at Tyler and was just months from graduating.
Her mother, Jennifer Hubbell, said Riley’s choice of career was influenced by her younger brother, who has autism.
“She had a heart for kids and animals alike,” Hubbell told reporters, explaining how the family is struggling to process the sudden loss. “She had highlighted a change in the dogs’ behavior shortly before this happened. She said they hadn’t always been that way.”
Riley was an experienced caregiver, having pet-sat and babysat for families before. Hubbell said her daughter believed watching the dogs would be safe.
The homeowners were out of town at the time of the attack, and authorities have not clarified whether children were present during the incident.
In a GoFundMe tribute, Hubbell described her daughter’s dedication to teaching: “Her K-3rd grade students adored her. She had a gift for making every child feel safe, special, and loved. Madison’s heart was made for that work.”
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has scheduled a court hearing for Wednesday to determine the fate of the two surviving pit bulls.
Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn Riley’s tragic death and grapple with the sudden violence of the attack.
