Donnelly Rose Eaglestick Died from Stray Dogs’ Attack, says Manitoba RCMP

Manitoba RCMP has confirmed that Donnelly Rose Eaglestick who was found dead at a construction site on Saturday had died from an animal attack.

The body of Donnelly Rose Eaglestick, 24, was found at a construction site in Grand Rapids First Nation on Saturday, and it was surrounded by dozens of dogs at that time. RCMP reached at the site after receiving a call on Saturday morning about a woman’s body found near the construction site.

Little Grand Rapids First Nation is a remote fly-in community located about 270 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

Eaglestick was the mother of a five-year-old daughter. Eaglestick husband died previously of exposure. She was a fun-loving person who never held a grudge, according to her friends.

“I can’t believe she’s gone … she was a nice person. Loving and caring,” said Eaglestick’s friend Millie Jasmine Pascal, on the weekend. “I can’t stop crying.”

Eaglestick’s family told CBC News that Eaglestick probably died between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., her uncle, and her dead body was surrounded by about 30 stray dogs when people noticed it.

Forensic experts and police officers with Little Grand Rapids RCMP investigated the site and came to conclusion that Eaglestick died from her injuries due to animal attack. The police had to shot one dog at the site that was moving aggressively toward officers. Eaglestick was returning to her home from another residence when a group of 30 dogs attacked her.

“A young mother was taken from us far too soon. The community is in a state of shock, a state of sadness,” said Kewatinook MLA Judy Klassen, interim leader of the Manitoba Liberals in the Manitoba Legislature Monday.

“We need to work together so that every Manitoban feels cared for in the wake of a tragedy,” said Klassen.

Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen offered his condolences and promised to send additional resources to the remote, fly-in community.

“We stand by willing to offer assistance,” Goertzen said.

According to Band councillor Robert Leveque, a meeting was held on Monday to discuss how to deal with the “seriously dangerous” dogs. The Council has also advised people to keep a close eye on their children.

“We have to watch our little ones,” Leveque said.