UPDATED: Alachua Police Department investigates death with possible dog involvement
Updated on April 14 with information from the autopsy.
From Alachua Police Department
ALACHUA, Fla. – The Alachua Police Department has announced the cause of death of a 61-year-old woman who was found deceased on March 19: the woman died from “sharp force injuries” that were sustained during an attack by dog(s).
The Office of the Medical Examiner, District Eight, has completed the autopsy. The cause of death has been determined to be “sharp force injuries”, and the manner of death has been ruled an accident. According to the Medical Examiner, the injuries were sustained during an attack by dog(s).
The report indicates the victim sustained “sharp force injuries” of the extremities with extensive soft tissue injuries, including transection of the left ulnar artery and defects of the left brachial artery, along with additional abrasions, contusions, and superficial sharp force injuries to the face, torso, and extremities.
Some of the injuries were not readily visible to responding officers at the time due to the victim’s clothing and the presence of dirt and debris on the body. Additionally, the Medical Examiner conducts a comprehensive and detailed examination under controlled conditions, which may identify injuries that are not immediately apparent during an on-scene assessment.
Original (March 25), with March 26 updates in bold
The Alachua Police Department is investigating the death of a 61-year-old woman who was visiting family in the area; the incident may have involved two bulldogs that belonged to the family.
On March 19, 2026, at approximately 7:02 p.m., officers responded to a medical emergency in the 10000 block of NW CR 235 regarding a possible death.
Upon arrival, first responders located a 61-year-old adult female unresponsive on the ground near a gate on the property. The individual was found lying in the immediate area of a fenced section where two dogs had been secured. The deceased was observed to have lacerations on her arm that appeared consistent with injuries caused by a dog.
The incident occurred on a family member’s property, where dogs belonging to the residents were present. Alachua County Fire Rescue responded and pronounced the individual deceased at approximately 7:10 p.m.
Preliminary information indicates the female was a visiting family member who had been babysitting a young child at the residence. Family members returned to the property and discovered the female unresponsive in the yard, with the child nearby. The child was not injured.
Officers secured the scene and initiated an investigation. Preliminary information indicates the incident may have involved two bulldogs located on the property. Alachua County Animal Resources responded and took custody of the animals involved. Alachua County Animal Resources has identified the dogs as American Bullies.
An Alachua Police Department detective and representatives from the Medical Examiner’s Office responded to process the scene and continue the investigation.
The cause of death is currently undetermined and pending the results of an autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
This investigation is ongoing. No additional details are being released at this time.
“Visiting family member babysitting child of the dogs’ owners.”
Animals—some more than others—are very protective of their family.
It is a tragedy for everyone involved. While this particular breed is known for being loyal and protective of its family, that very instinct can sometimes manifest in unpredictable and devastating ways, especially when a visiting family member is caring for a child.
I stand corrected. Not American Pitbull but American Bully — two distinctly different breeds, bred primarily for entirely different roles.
Irregardless, a tragedy that may have been preventable and I hope the family is able to recover from their loss.
“Bulldogs” or pit bull mixes? 🧐🧐
There should be a county ordinance requiring liability insurance and registration for these pit bull dogs
Most all home insurance will not insure with a known ‘bully’ or pit mix on the property. These dogs are a menace. Unfortunately, this breed is the primary reason I carry a pistol when I walk my dog.