An elderly North Carolina teacher and beloved member of the community was attacked and killed by an unknown animal while out on a morning walk Friday. Authorities are currently searching for the mystery animal.
WECT 6 News reports that 77-year-old Brenda Hamilton, a teacher at Pungo Christian Academy in Belhaven, was taking a morning walk when at around 5:47 a.m. Friday morning, police received a call from someone who noticed the woman had been attacked. When officers arrived, they found Hamilton near death on Indian Run Road in Pantego.
“Beaufort County EMS and Paramedics arrived to find 77 yr old Brenda Hamilton of Pantego suffering from severe injuries as a result of the attack,” the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
Hamilton was rushed to the Vidant Medical Center, but on Monday, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away.
Officials initially stated that the teacher was killed by a domestic dog after NC Wildlife Resources reportedly told them that “preliminary DNA testing found domestic K9 DNA on the victim’s clothing.” However, authorities updated the information and said “the testing does not differentiate between wild K9s such as wolf or coyote indigenous to the area and domestic K9s that may live in the area.”
Officials are currently gathering DNA from domestic dogs in the area to see if there is a match to the DNA found on Hamilton.
Meanwhile, the Pungo Christian Academy released a statement shortly after Hamilton’s death, offering condolences to the teacher’s family.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share our precious Mrs. Hamilton has gained her wings. She has always been our…
Posted by Pungo Christian Academy on Monday, February 18, 2019
Visitation and memorial services for Hamilton are being held Thursday afternoon at the academy.
The story continues to develop. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo: Brenda Hamilton/Handout]
