In a shocking and tragic event, a 75-year-old woman met her untimely death due to an attack by two pigs near her home in Pataskala, Ohio. Rebecca Westergaard Rigney was found deceased with severe injuries on the steps of her residence on Mink Street. The incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when police responded to a welfare check after she did not attend a family gathering. This heartbreaking occurrence has left the community in disbelief and raises questions about the safety of livestock in residential areas.

Details of the Incident

On a quiet Christmas afternoon, concern grew when Rebecca Westergaard Rigney failed to arrive at her niece’s home for celebrations. Authorities were alerted and dispatched to her property around 3 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered a large pig inside the house. Further investigation revealed that Ms. Rigney had been attacked by two pigs roaming near her home. These animals belonged to a neighboring resident. The coroner's report from Licking County confirmed that the cause of death was extensive bleeding from superficial injuries inflicted by livestock. Despite her prior health conditions, this fatal encounter was ruled as accidental.

The pigs involved in the incident have since been quarantined pending further investigation. Although no criminal charges have been filed against the neighbor who owned the pigs, Chief Bruce Brooks of the Pataskala Police Department described the situation as "horrible" and emphasized the unusual nature of such an event involving farm animals.

Neighbor David Mullings expressed shock at the bizarre circumstances, noting that the neighborhood is typically peaceful and such incidents are unprecedented. "It was pretty wild," he remarked, highlighting the unexpected presence of roaming pigs in the area.

This tragic event underscores the importance of ensuring that livestock are securely contained, especially in residential neighborhoods. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when farm animals are not properly managed. The community is left grappling with the loss and reflecting on how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.