tragically Killed: College Student Pet-Sitting in Texas Mauled to Death by Three Pit Bulls
A young woman, Madison Riley Hull, who was just months away from realizing her career ambition, was tragically mauled to death by three dogs while pet-sitting at a home in Tyler, Texas. The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 21, at approximately 4:15 p.m., has devastated her family and prompted an immediate law enforcement investigation.
The victim was identified by her mother, Jennifer Hubbell, who created a GoFundMe page on Saturday, November 22, to share the devastating news and seek support.
“I am shattered in a way I didn’t know a human being could break. My beautiful, full of love, full of life, free-spirited daughter was killed in a sudden and vicious dog attack,” Hubbell wrote.
The Attack and the Deputy’s Intervention
According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the dogs involved in the fatal attack were three pit bulls, as reported by the Tyler Morning Telegraph, WFAA-8, and WTOC-11.
Deputies were called to the home on Northwood Drive where they found Madison Riley Hull lying gravely injured in the backyard. When one of the responding officers attempted to render aid, one of the canines charged aggressively toward him.
The deputy was forced to discharge his service weapon, shooting and killing one of the pit bulls. His gunfire successfully scared the two remaining dogs away, allowing the officer to reach Hull and remove her from the backyard. Tragically, she died shortly after being rescued from the scene due to her catastrophic injuries. The deputy who fired at the dog sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
A Life Dedicated to Teaching
Madison Riley Hull was a 23-year-old student at the University of Texas at Tyler and was just six months away from earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Her mother detailed her daughter’s passion, stating that the college student “had already found her true purpose in teaching young children” and that her “K-3rd grade students [who] adored her.” Hubbell described her daughter as a light in the world: “Madi was love, she was light, she was kindness, she was laughter, she was fierce in the most beautiful and disarming way. She loved life with her whole heart and moved through the world with a free-spirit that lifted those around her.”
In a poignant detail shared with CBS19, Hubbell revealed that her daughter, who loved animals, had recently grown uneasy around the dogs, noting a “change in behavior” in the time leading up to the attack.
Legal Outcome for the Dogs
While a court hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, to determine the fate of the two surviving animals, the matter was concluded a day early. On Tuesday, November 25, Smith County Judge Andy Dunklin ordered the euthanasia of the two remaining pit bulls after an agreement was reached with the owners, who waived their right to a formal hearing. The court order concluded the dogs had caused Hull’s death by “attacking,” “biting,” and “mauling” her.
As of Tuesday, November 25, the GoFundMe organized by Hull’s mother had successfully raised over $13,000 to cover funeral and memorial expenses, ensuring Hull receives “the beautiful farewell her bright spirit deserves.” The Smith County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains active to determine how the attack unfolded and whether criminal charges against the dog owners will be filed.
