A mother-of-five dog owner who died after one of her pets attacked her was described as “fun, cheerful and selfless” in emotional tributes from friends.
Michelle Hempstead, 34, has been pictured for the first time today after the tragic attack in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
On July 30, one of her dogs turned on her and bit her on the arm, but she managed to escape and climb over the balcony railing of her ground-floor apartment.
But sadly, despite the efforts of neighbors, emergency workers and doctors, the mother who was “made of steel” passed away, leaving the hearts of her loved ones “shattered and broken.”
She passed away just weeks after tragically losing one of her daughters on June 4.
Michelle Hempstead, 34, was photographed for the first time today after the tragic attack
Police have not disclosed what breed it is, but say it is not illegal.
An inquest, opened and adjourned today in Chelmsford, heard that police found her on July 29 this year with a 'wound to her upper limb'.
Liah Smith, Michelle's friend of 10 years, called her “fun no matter the situation.”
Ms Smith said in a GoFundMe set up in her memory: 'She always went out of her way for people, whether it was stray cats or the homeless. Michelle was always giving them water, always doing something, always recognising people.
'There was never a moment when she didn't help anyone, she always found a way.'
'She was such a positive person, she was so cheerful all the time that you thought, “It can't be like this all day long?”
“She was made of steel, just an incredibly strong and resilient woman who everyone adored.”
Mrs Smith said Michelle's death is the second tragedy to hit her family after her firstborn daughter died.
She added: 'This death was a terribly tragic moment for Michelle and her family, who have not been able to reach a place of peace after such a terrible event.
'Within five weeks the family has also had to deal with the shocking passing of Michelle, our hearts are broken and shattered. There are no words for her loss.'
Sadly, despite the efforts of neighbors, paramedics and doctors, she did not survive
Court co-ordinator Andy Flack said Ms Hempstead was taken to Southend Hospital for treatment and then transferred to the Royal London Hospital, where she died on July 30.
He said an autopsy revealed Ms Hempstead had suffered a “dog bite wound to her left upper arm”.
According to Mr Flack, a transection of the left axillary artery, the main artery of the arm, was also a cause of her death.
Multi-organ failure and hypovolemic shock, in which the heart cannot pump enough blood due to severe blood or other fluid loss, were also cited as contributing causes.
Lincoln Brookes, chief coroner for Essex, said – after Mr Flack gave details of the case – that he would adjourn the hearing pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.
“I have received a written request from Essex Police to adjourn the coroner's proceedings pending a criminal investigation,” Mr Brookes said.
'I therefore comply with that request.'
He said he would review the suspension after three months and asked for his “deepest condolences” to be conveyed to the family.
According to Essex Police, officers were called to an address in Retort Close by the ambulance service at 11.30pm on July 29 this year.
Police said at the time that they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.