A mother has been horrifically killed in a vicious mauling by a pack of 13 dogs.
Courtney Williams Cox had been getting ready to celebrate the Mother’s Day weekend at her home in the US state of Georgia when tragedy struck.
The 35-year-old was walking with two of her six children when they were set upon by their neighbour’s 13 dogs, who began viciously attacking them.
Her brave son Kayden managed to push his sister out of danger but suffered deep lacerations in the mauling and was taken to hospital.
He has since been back at home recovering with his father.
Williams did not make it out and was killed during the brutal attack.
Police discovered her “lifeless body” at the property just after 5pm on May 9. It is understood that pack of dogs had been left unattended by a neighbour.
“When deputies arrived, they encountered several aggressive dogs on the property,” authorities said in a statement.
“It was determined that an individual had already taken several minors to a local hospital. Deputies subsequently located Williams’ body in the yard of the home.”
Neighbours were shocked and saddened upon hearing about what had happened.
“I do feel for the family and for the kids because now they are going to have to celebrate Mother’s Day without their mother,” a neighbour told WALB.
Another nearby resident told the outlet that locals “dump dogs all over the county and no one can get help with them because there’s no county animal control.”
“This is so sad,” they added.
Williams’ sister-in-law, Crystal Cox, shared the devastating news on social media.
“With a heavy heart that I have to say my brother’s wife Courtney William Cox passed away yesterday,” she wrote.
“The neighbour’s dogs attacked her and the kids, her son Kayden didn’t get away fast enough.
“As he pushed his sister out of harms way, he was hurt pretty bad.”
Williams’ husband, Josh Cox, shared his gratitude to the “kindness” that his community has given his family in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“I want to thank each and every person for the kindness they have shown toward my family,” he said.
“And thank you to those who have reached out to my sister Crystal, she is handling things for me at this time.
“After so many wanting to help in one way or another, I’ve talked with our Pastor and made a GoFundMe for the kids.
“It is just a hard time and I can’t handle a lot right now. Thank you again for all your kindness and prayers.”
After being rushed to hospital following the terrifying attack, it was later confirmed that Williams’ son Kayden was recovering well at home.
“Now that all the family knows, here is an update on Kayden,” Crystal said.
“The other kids are fine, shook up and still processing things. Doing their best to deal.
“Nathan … flagged down a nice man, who I’m going to call an angel, that helped saved them. Kayden pushed his sister out of harms way.
“By doing so he saved her, but took on the dogs himself. The man helped fight the dogs off and managed to get the kids into the truck to the hospital.
“Kayden is stapled and stitched up. The kids are at my house resting along with their father.”
Both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident. No charges have been filed.
The Thomasville Humane Society is currently working to get the dogs involved in the attack off the street, and have managed to locate 11 of the canines so far.
“A woman lost her life and two children’s lives will forever be changed by this,” Chandler Giddes, Director Thomasville Humane Society, said.
“We have really got a long way to go in animal services, we have to understand how and why dogs act like this from an owner and community standpoint. It’s all about accountability.”
A funeral service for Williams was held over the weekend.