71-year-old cyclist fatally attacked after his dog broke free from its leash, police said

FLORENCE, SC (WMBF/Gray News) – Family members are mourning the loss of a 71-year-old South Carolina mother and grandmother who police say was killed in a dog attack while riding their bikes.

According to police, emergency crews were dispatched to Brigadoone Lane in Florence on Wednesday evening to search for an injured cyclist. Firefighters were first on the scene and discovered a 71-year-old woman with “serious injuries from a dog bite.” She was taken to hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

According to WMBF, Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken identified the victim as Karen Nelson.

During the investigation, officers learned that Nelson was riding her bike through the area when a dog broke free of its leash and attacked her, knocking her off her bike. The dog bit her and caused several serious injuries.

Nelson’s relatives say it was her husband who found her and called for help.

Her son-in-law Bill Crawford says the family is now thinking of the woman who was a mother, grandmother and best friend.

“Her smile, her laugh, she had an infectious laugh. Just that special kind of warmth that draws you to someone and makes you feel loved,” Crawford said.

Relatives also say that Nelson was a passionate music teacher.

“She was a truly gifted piano teacher,” Crawford said. “We will miss her.”

An autopsy of Nelson’s body was scheduled for Friday morning at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Animal control was on site during the investigation and took the dog involved in the attack into custody. Police believe the dog will be put down.

According to Florence Police Captain Stephen Starling, the dog’s owners signed a voluntary surrender form, agreeing to the animal’s euthanasia.

Starling says there will now be no need for a hearing and authorities will set a date for euthanasia.

The police had previously stated that there had apparently been no previous complaints against the dog.

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