Michelle Hempstead, 34, was attacked by a dog in Southend on July 29. Police have not said what breed it was, but indicated that it was assessed as not a banned breed. An inquest, which was opened and suspended today, was told that police found her with a “laceration to her upper limb”.
Court coordinator Andy Flack said that Ms Hempstead was taken to Southend Hospital for treatment, and then subsequently transferred to the Royal London Hospital, where she died on July 30. He said a post-mortem examination recorded that Ms Hempstead sustained a “dog bite wound to left upper arm”. Mr Flack said that transection of the left axillary artery – the main artery to the arm – was also a contributory cause to her death.
Multi-organ failure and hypovolemic shock – where a severe loss of blood or other fluids prevents the heart from pumping enough blood – were also given as contributory causes. Lincoln Brookes, senior coroner for Essex, said, after details of the case were outlined by Mr. Flack, that he would suspend the hearing pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.
He said: “I have received a written request from Essex Police to suspend the coronial proceedings pending a criminal investigation. “I accordingly grant that request.” He said he would review the suspension after three months and asked that his “deepest condolences” are passed to the family.
An online fundraising page, aiming to raise £8,000 for Ms Hempstead’s funeral, described her as .