Ohio Woman Mauled to Death by Neighbor’s Pigs
75-year-old Rebecca Westergaard was tragically mauled to death by her neighbor’s pigs on Christmas Day. The tragedy occurred near her home on Mink Street. Pataskala Police Chief Bruce Brooks described the case as a “horrible situation.”
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Westergaard lived alone and was discovered after a family member called for a welfare check when she did not arrive at a family gathering. Authorities found her dead on the property with extensive surface injuries to her legs. The Licking County Coroner’s Office confirmed that her death resulted from significant blood loss due to the injuries caused by the pigs.
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Deputy Coroner and Chief Forensic Pathologist Dr. C. Jeff Lee explained that Westergaard’s condition was worsened by her being on blood thinners following a recent heart surgery. The medication disabled her ability to form clots, which then led to continuous bleeding.
Although initial reports suggested the pigs had “partially eaten” Westergaard, Dr. Lee clarified that she was mauled, and the injuries were confined to her lower body. Westergaard was alive and standing before being knocked down by the animals.
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The pigs’ owner has not been charged, and the state of the pigs remain uncertain as the investigation continues. Police Chief Brooks stated that more information would be released after the autopsy and toxicology reports, which are expected to take several weeks.
Ohio Woman Mauled to Death by Neighbor’s Pigs was originally published on mycolumbusmagic.com
