Elderly Woman Dies After Being Attacked by Neighbor’s Pigs

In a tragic incident that occurred on Christmas Day 2024, a 75-year-old woman, Rebecca Westergaard Rigney, was reportedly attacked and killed by a pig from her neighbor’s farm. The incident took place in the city of Pataskala, Ohio, and was confirmed by local authorities.

According to a report from Daily Mail on January 8, Rigney was found dead with injuries to her leg on the front steps of her house on Mink Street. Her granddaughter became concerned when her grandmother failed to show up for a Christmas dinner with the family in Norton, prompting her to call the police.

Upon arriving at Rigney’s residence around 3 p.m., authorities were shocked to find a large pig wandering inside the home. At least two other pigs were later discovered at the neighbor’s property. These animals were immediately quarantined by the authorities, as reported by WBNS.

Rigney, who lived alone, was found to have suffered from severe blood loss due to the pig attack, which caused superficial injuries, according to the Licking County Coroner’s Office. The elderly woman had a history of heart problems and was on blood-thinning medication, which may have worsened her condition after the attack.

Pataskala’s police chief, Bruce Brooks, described the incident as “horrible” and stated that a full investigation would take 4 to 6 weeks. Brooks also pointed out that there are no specific regulations regarding attacks by farm animals, like pigs, which makes handling the case more complicated.

 

Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief over the event. David Mullings, a neighbor of Rigney, said, “It’s hard to understand and crazy. I’ve never seen pigs wandering around like that in our neighborhood. What is going on?”

The identity of the pig’s owner has not been revealed, and it remains unclear whether they will face criminal charges. The police are in contact with the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office for guidance on the matter.