In Huntingburg, Indiana, a tragic incident unfolded on April 14, 2025, when 53-year-old Olivia Mora Regalado suddenly collapsed and died at home due to a medical emergency linked to a preexisting condition. She was caring for her 4-year-old granddaughter, Evelynn Lopez, at the time. After Regalado's unexpected death, Evelynn was left alone in the house with seven dogs, including six pit bulls and one poodle mix.
Shortly after Regalado's collapse at around 3 p.m., the dogs reportedly became uncontrollable and attacked Evelynn. The young girl suffered severe injuries from the multiple dog bites and lost consciousness. When Evelynn's mother arrived to pick her up, she found both her daughter and Regalado unresponsive on the floor and immediately called emergency services. Evelynn was rushed to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities responded to the scene and found the two victims unresponsive. Regalado was pronounced dead at the home, while Evelynn was declared dead later at the hospital. Police investigations confirmed that Regalado's death was caused by a medical emergency, not foul play. The dog attack on Evelynn occurred after Regalado's collapse, leaving the child vulnerable and unattended.
For safety reasons and to preserve evidence, all seven dogs were sedated and euthanized at the scene. Their remains were sent to the Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center for further testing. No criminal charges are expected as the incident was deemed accidental.
The community of Huntingburg, a small town of about 6,000 residents, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Mayor Neil Elkins expressed sympathy for both the victims' families and the first responders who witnessed the distressing scene. He urged the public to offer support and refrain from social media criticism during this difficult time.
Evelynn was remembered fondly by her family as a joyful child who loved outdoor activities, sports, and cooking alongside her mother. Regalado was described as a kind and devoted caregiver who loved experimenting with new recipes and spending time with her family.
