A mom-of-five died after being bitten by a dog in her upper arm in a vicious attack, just a few weeks after the death of her first born daughter. Michelle Hempstead, 34, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital on July 30 after being attacked by the dog in Southend, Essex, UK. An inquest into Hempstead's death, which was opened at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford on Thursday, learned that police found her with a "laceration to her upper limb," after the attack.
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After receiving this information on the case, Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex, said that he would put the hearing on hold for three months until the criminal investigation is at a complete. "I’ve received a written request from Essex Police to suspend the coronial proceedings pending a criminal investigation," Brookes said. "I accordingly grant that request.
" Brookes said in a statement that he asked that his "deepest condolences" to be passed to Hempstead's family. Police officers responded to an address in Retort Close in the evening of July 29 - the day of the attack, according to Essex Police. Nicola Peltz Beckham files lawsuit against pet groomers after death of her dog Mom mauled to death by own pet dog as she suffered seizure at home Death Row inmate looking for love on penpal site after drowning love rival Two dogs were seized shortly after, but one of them was believed to have been involved in the attack, according to police.
While it is not clear what kind of breed were the dogs, police have said that a dog liaison officer found that the animals were not "a banned breed." It is also not immediately clear whether the dog belongs to Hempstead. A GoFundme page was set up by a friend on behalf of the Hempstead family to raise money for funeral expenses.
The friend, Liam Smith, described Hempstead as the "kindest soul" on the fundraiser page. "Michelle wasn't just a mother to five beautiful children, she was a daughter, a friend, a neighbor, a big support system for the people around her but undoubtedly the kindest soul to have crossed everyone's paths," Smith wrote. "We are absolutely heartbroken by her absence and we'd like to do her justice by coming together as a community at this unfortunate time.
" Hempstead's death came over a month after her first born and only daughter died on June 4. "This passing was a awfully tragic time for Michelle and her family to endure, for something so harrowing to go through they have not been able to reach a place of peace." Smith wrote.
"And within the space of five weeks, the family have had to deal with the shocking passing of Michelle too, our hearts are shattered and broken." To donate to the fundraiser, click here ..
