Overview
- Michelle Hempstead, 34, was bitten on 29 July 2024 at her Southend flat while tossing McDonald’s chicken nuggets to a Pomeranian and a mastiff–Rottweiler cross named Trigg.
- The bite to her upper left arm severed an artery, causing traumatic blood loss that led to multiple organ failure; she died the next day at the Royal London Hospital.
- Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes concluded the death was accidental and accepted partner Samuel West’s account, which described the event as a freak accident.
- Brookes noted Trigg had no known history of aggression and was described as an otherwise gentle giant, with the bite occurring during a brief food-related scuffle.
- Essex Police said both dogs were seized after the incident and later euthanised after being disclaimed by the sole owner, and the coroner acknowledged the family had recently lost Ms Hempstead’s daughter.