Woman Dies After Dog Bite in Essex

Michelle Hempstead, a 34-year-old mother of five, died on July 30 after suffering a fatal dog bite to her upper left arm in Southend, Essex. The inquest revealed that she had a laceration that severed her left axillary artery, leading to multi-organ failure and hypovolemic shock. Following the incident on July 29, she was treated at Southend Hospital before being transferred to the Royal London Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Two dogs were seized from her home, but neither was believed to be a banned breed. The inquest has been suspended for three months pending a criminal investigation, as requested by Essex Police. Friends and family have described her as a supportive and caring individual, and a fundraising page has been set up to cover her funeral costs.