Who was Natasha Johnston and what happened to her?
THE nation was left shocked when it was reported that a woman had died after a group of dogs that she was walking turned on her in a frenzied attack
The woman, named as Natasha Johnston, tragically passed away in January 2023 when she was just 28 years old.
Who was Natasha Johnston?
Natasha Johnston died at the age of 28 after being mauled by a pack of dogs.
The young woman was working as a dog walker in Surrey at the time of her death.
Natasha grew up in Ryde on the Isle of Wight before moving to London.
A childhood friend described her as a ";bubbly, beautiful" woman in an interview with .
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They added that she "loved" dogs and was experienced in walking and handling them.
What happened to Natasha Johnston?
On January 12, 2023, Natasha was walking eight dogs in Caterham, Surrey, when she was attacked.
One local said Natasha had shouted at bystanders to "go back" when the dogs pounced.
Another woman was taken to hospital with non life-threatening bite injuries and was later discharged.
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An inquest into her death heard how Natasha died from "multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck".
Surrey Coroner's Court was told she also suffered shock and haemorrhage including perforation of her jugular vein.
Coroner Simon Wickens said: "A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on 18 January.
"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."
A date of June 29, 2023, was then set for a full inquest.
The coroner added: "I offer Natasha's family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincere condolences."
Among the pack that Natasha was walking that day was a Leonberger named Shiva.
The dog had previously appeared in a 2017 BBC programme about bad puppy behaviour.
Natasha is believed to have been killed by her own pet - an American Bully XL.
The Sun reported in May that Natasha's pet was the only hound to have been destroyed.
Officers at the time were holding five other dogs following a vet's forensic report, but two seized dachshunds were returned to their owner in April.
Surrey Police have confirmed that a criminal probe had been closed and no prosecutions were being brought against any individuals.
Natasha's family released a statement about her tragic death, sharing their agony at their "sudden loss".
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The statement said: "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.
"We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief."