Investigators Explore Role of Neighbor’s Pigs in 75-Year-Old Woman’s Death in Pataskala, Ohio
Pataskala, Ohio – Authorities are investigating the potential involvement of a neighbor’s pigs in the death of 75-year-old Rebecca Westergaard Rigney, whose body was discovered on her porch on Christmas Day.
According to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, police were called for a welfare check on Rigney after she failed to attend a holiday gathering on December 25. Upon arriving at her residence, officers found Rigney deceased on the steps of her front porch, with visible injuries to her legs.
While securing the scene, an officer observed a large pig in the area, which was later identified as belonging to Rigney’s neighbor. Police suspect that the pig, along with at least one other animal at the neighbor’s property, may have contributed to Rigney’s injuries. Authorities ordered the neighbor to quarantine the pigs as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Licking County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Rigney died from bleeding due to extensive superficial injuries caused by livestock animals. The coroner also noted that Rigney had prior health conditions, and her death was ultimately ruled as accidental.
Neighbors in the area expressed shock and disbelief upon hearing the news. David Mullings, a local resident, described the situation as “crazy” and “wild,” noting that pigs are not typically seen in the neighborhood. “It’s a very quiet neighborhood. Nothing happens here,” Mullings added.
David Hanson, a delivery driver for the area, was similarly taken aback by the circumstances. “I was shocked just to hear that two pigs had possibly killed a woman,” he said.
The coroner’s office stated that a complete report on Rigney’s death will be available within the next six weeks. Meanwhile, the investigation remains open, with police working to determine the full extent of the incident and whether the pigs played a significant role in Rigney’s tragic death.
