A 61-year-old woman in Tennessee described as the “heart and soul” of her family is dead after being mauled to death by two dogs, her family said.
On Monday, July 1, Theresa Rhodes was on her way to visit a friend in Bolivar, Tenn. when she was attacked by the “vicious” animals, her sister Shirley Callaway explains in a GoFundMe campaign organized to help raise funds for her funeral.
The Bolivar Police Department responded to a report about a woman bleeding in the streets at about 1:30 a.m., reports USA Today.
Theresa Rhodes/ Facebook
According to the outlet, upon their arrival, Rhodes was found with “extensive injuries” and two dogs next to her. One of the dogs was shot by an officer in order to be able to render aid to Rhodes, and the other fled the scene. Rhodes was taken to a hospital, where she died that same day.
The police department issued an advisory notice on Facebook, informing residents of the Sycamore Street and Mitchell Street area that one of the “two dangerous dogs” had been captured.
“The other is described as being blue-gray in color with features similar to a pit bull. Please be hyper-vigilant while outdoors or walking around this neighborhood,” the department wrote.
City of Bolivar TN Police Department/ Facebook
The post was later updated on Tuesday, July 2, to report that both dogs had been officially captured.
Callaway told WMC-TV that she was told by police that her sister tried fighting off the dogs with an object.
“My sister barely weighed 90 something pounds. She didn’t have no fight for them two dogs. They say she fought until she couldn’t fight no more,” said Callaway.
Rhodes played an important role in the lives of all of her loved ones.
Getty
“Theresa was not only a mother to two daughters whom she tragically lost to cancer, but also a loving grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, and cousin to many,” Callaway expressed in Rhodes’ GoFundMe campaign.
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“Her infectious smile and vibrant personality brought joy to everyone around her,” she added. “She was the heart and soul of our family, and her loss has left us devastated.”
As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $1,000 of its $11,000 goal.
