A tragic incident in Chehalis has resulted in the death of a 91-year-old woman, Nancy Punches, after she was attacked by her two German Shepherds. The attack occurred on September 25, leading to severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
Key Takeaways
- Nancy Punches, 91, was attacked by her two German Shepherds.
- The incident occurred on September 25 in Chehalis.
- Punches suffered multiple severe traumatic injuries and animal bites.
- Her death has been ruled an accident by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
- The dogs were voluntarily euthanized following the incident.
Incident Details
On the afternoon of September 25, deputies from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a dog bite at approximately 2:30 p.m. The location was identified as the 400 block of River Road, west of Chehalis. Upon arrival, authorities found Nancy Punches suffering from significant trauma to both of her lower arms due to the attack by her dogs.
Emergency medical services were called, and Punches was transported to Adna High School to meet Life Flight for urgent medical care. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries during the flight to the hospital.
Medical Examination Findings
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Punches' death. The findings confirmed that she died from multiple severe traumatic injuries and animal bites. The official ruling categorized her death as an accident, highlighting the tragic nature of the event.
Aftermath and Dog Euthanization
Following the incident, the two German Shepherds involved in the attack were voluntarily turned over by their co-owner. In light of the circumstances and the severity of the attack, the decision was made to euthanize the dogs. This decision reflects the serious nature of the incident and the potential risk posed by the animals.
Community Response
The community of Chehalis has been left in shock by this tragic event. Incidents of dog attacks, especially resulting in fatalities, are rare, and this case has raised concerns about dog ownership and safety. Local authorities are urging pet owners to ensure their animals are properly trained and socialized to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to this unfortunate incident and how similar occurrences can be avoided in the future. The loss of Nancy Punches serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the potential dangers that can arise when those responsibilities are not met.
