Autopsy: 75-year-old woman’s death in Hiwassee Dam ruled dog attack

HIWASSEE DAM, N.C. — Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible deceased individual on the evening of Feb. 25 in the 500 block of

in the Hiwassee Dam community.

Upon arrival, patrol deputies confirmed a deceased person at the scene. Investigators from the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division were called in and identified the deceased as a 75-year-old woman. A family member had requested a welfare check at approximately the same time she was located.

Based on observations at the scene, the death did not appear to be from natural causes, and a formal investigation was launched. Assistance was requested from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

An autopsy was conducted Feb. 27 at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Preliminary findings indicated the manner of death was the result of a dog attack.

During the early evening hours of Feb. 27, investigators seized three dogs from a residence on Cross Creek Lane. The animals are being held in quarantine pending further investigation.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged assistance from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the local District Attorney’s Office, and the Hiwassee Dam Fire Department.

The investigation remains ongoing.