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A woman has died following a violent dog attack on Friday morning in LaGrange, according to local authorities.

LaGrange deadly dog attack

What we know:

On July 11 at approximately 11:11 a.m., officers with the LaGrange Police Department responded to the intersection of Swanson Street and Juniper Street after receiving reports of a person being attacked by dogs. When officers arrived, they found a woman, later identified as Theresa Patterson, in the roadway being actively attacked by two large dogs.

Police were able to intervene and stop the attack, providing emergency medical aid until paramedics with AMR arrived. The woman was transported to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center (WGMC) for treatment, but officials say she later succumbed to her injuries.

The Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.


Theresa Patterson dies in dog attack

What they're saying:

"We're still in shock," said her grandson, Qua Tucker, who works at a funeral home and was in the middle of a service when he received the devastating call.

"It's one thing when you're on the other side of the table, but when it comes to your door, it's different, it's hard," he said.

Tucker said Patterson was doing something she did nearly every day — taking a walk. "The dogs came out of nowhere and attacked her," he said.

LaGrange police confirmed the dogs were actively mauling Patterson in the road when they arrived. The animals were subdued by officers, but it was too late to save her life.

"We've had our tears," Tucker said. "But when you have something suddenly like that, there's no feeling that can be explained."

Describing his grandmother as "very outspoken" and "witty," Tucker said Patterson was the heart of their family. "She was loving, she would help anybody, even when she needed it herself."

Despite his grief, Tucker said he holds no hatred toward the dog owners. "Am I upset? Of course. That was my grandmother, that was my baby," he said. "I forgive whichever party because hatred is not my thing."

Still, he believes someone should be held accountable. "The appropriate party should be held accountable, they should serve time. It's someone's life — my grandmother, my mother's mother."

Deadly dog attack investigation

What we don't know:

The Troup County Coroner said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct the autopsy. Police have not announced who, if anyone, will face charges in connection with the attack.