Retired Nurse, 59, Killed After Being Trampled by Herd of Cows

A peaceful dog walk turned tragic for a retired nurse who was fatally trampled by a herd of cows on a quiet trail in southwest England.

Rebecca Jane Hitchings, 59, was hiking with her dog near Exmoor National Park earlier this month when she was attacked by a group of cattle, according to reports from the BBC. The incident occurred in a rural area near the village of Woodcombe, Somerset, a region popular with hikers and dog walkers.

Emergency crews were called to the remote field, and Hitchings was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with devastating injuries. Despite the rescue effort, she died on October 16 from what a coroner described as “blunt trauma leading to hemorrhagic shock.”

“Hemorrhagic shock occurs when the body shuts down after significant blood loss,” said Healthline’s medical reference, noting that the condition can become fatal within minutes if not immediately treated.

A Sudden and Violent Attack

Locals described the area as peaceful farmland—until now. “You never expect something like that to happen here,” said one resident of nearby Porlock. “It’s heartbreaking. She was just walking her dog.”

Officials have not confirmed what triggered the attack, but experts say cows can become aggressive when protecting calves or startled by dogs. The British Cattle Association has previously warned that walkers should keep dogs on short leads and avoid getting between cows and their young.

Investigation Underway

An inquest into Hitchings’ death opened in Devon last week. Coroner Philip Spinney confirmed the cause of death but adjourned the full hearing to a later date. Authorities are expected to review safety warnings and signage around the area where the attack occurred.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they are assisting with the inquiry but have not indicated whether any further action will be taken. “This is a deeply distressing incident,” one officer told local media. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones.”

A Life of Service

Hitchings, originally from Exeter, was a retired nurse remembered by friends as “kind, patient, and full of compassion.” A former colleague told reporters she had dedicated decades to the National Health Service before retiring to enjoy country walks and time with her dog.

“She cared for people all her life,” the colleague said. “It’s cruel that something like this happened to her doing something she loved.”

Authorities have not disclosed the fate of her dog following the attack.

The tragedy has renewed calls in the U.K. for stricter safety measures on farmland footpaths, including clearer warnings about livestock behavior and more secure fencing to separate walkers from herds.