Woman sent mother photo of cattle before she was ‘trampled to death’, inquest hears

In Leicestershire, England, on July 9, 2022, Rebekah Morris, a 29-year-old woman, tragically died after being trampled by a cow while walking her dog. Just before the incident, she sent a picture of cattle to her mother, which led her parents to search for her when she stopped responding to messages. Upon finding her, they discovered she was severely injured and in cardiac arrest. Despite immediate CPR efforts from bystanders and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A forensic pathologist determined that her injuries were consistent with being trampled, noting hoof prints on her chest and shoulder, along with severe liver damage that caused internal bleeding. The examination suggested that the incident likely involved a single cow rather than the entire herd. Initial reports had raised concerns about a possible attack, prompting a thorough forensic examination, but no evidence of foul play was found. At the time of her death, traces of alcohol and prescribed medications were present in her system, but these were deemed not to have contributed to the incident. Her father described her as a vibrant and compassionate person who brought joy to those around her. The inquest into her death is ongoing, with the jury hearing evidence to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. This incident highlights the potential dangers of interacting with livestock and raises questions about safety measures in rural areas where people may encounter animals unexpectedly.