A 71-year-old woman tragically lost her life in what police believe was a dog attack early Monday morning in Miami Gardens. The incident has left her family heartbroken and neighbors worried about safety in the area.

The victim, identified by her family as Doreen Richards, was walking to work near Northwest 196th Street and 14th Court when multiple dogs attacked her. Her daughter said, “She always walks to work like this, and the dogs have attacked her before. She even carried a stick to protect herself.”

Authorities found Richards behind Norwood Elementary with several dog bites. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue declared her dead at the scene.

A nearby Airbnb guest, Viviana Vargas, recalled hearing barking early in the morning. She said, “I heard dogs and thought they were fighting. There was a sound that made me think a dog was hurt, but I never imagined it was a person.”

Other residents expressed fear for the community, especially because a school is nearby. One neighbor said, “It’s very worrying, not just for me, but for the kids around here.”

Authorities are currently searching the area to locate the dogs responsible. The tragic death serves as a reminder of the dangers stray or uncontrolled dogs can pose.