Dog walker Natasha Johnston died from 'multiple penetrating bites to the neck'
Natasha Johnston died from ‘multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck’ and a wound to her jugular vein, Surrey Coroner’s Court has been told.
The 28-year-old was named as the victim of a dog attack ahead of an inquest today.
She is believed to have been walking a number of dogs when she was set upon at Gravelly Hill, Caterham on January 12.
Paramedics had rushed to the scene but were unable to save her life.
Eight dogs, none of them banned breeds, were held following the tragedy.
At the opening of an inquest into her death, coroner Simon Wickens expressed his ‘sincere condolences’ to Ms Johnston’s family ‘and all those touched by her life’.
The coroner said on Tuesday: ‘A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on January 18.
‘The medical cause of death (was) given as 1a) shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein, and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck.
‘The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries.’
Mr Wickens formally recognised the family of Ms Johnston, who was from Surrey, as interested persons in the proceedings.
‘I offer Natasha’s family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincere condolences,’ he said.
He fixed a date of 29 June for the inquest to begin but added that it could be subject to change.
Ms Johnson’s family recently spoke of their grief following the sudden loss.
‘This is an extremely difficult time for us and as well as dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant level of media interest and the graphic nature of some of the reporting, has been a source of additional distress’, a statement said.
‘We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief.’
An 11-stone Leonberger named Shiva is said to be amongst eight dogs taken into police care following the incident, which left another woman injured.
No one will be prosecuted over the incident, police confirmed last week.
Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, of Surrey Police, had said: ‘This is a tragic incident in which a young woman lost her life.
‘I know it has caused real concern locally and I thank the community for bearing with us whilst we conducted our inquiries.
‘The criminal investigation has now concluded and the information we have gathered will be passed to the Surrey Coroner to assist in the coronial process.
‘The dogs continue to be cared for at private kennels to ensure their welfare and their owners are being kept informed.’
An eyewitness, 60, who saw the attack while riding a horse, previously said a woman saw her coming and shouted a warning: ‘turn back, turn back!’
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