Canadian folk musician killed by coyotes

Rising Canadian folk musician Taylor Mitchell was tragically killed by coyotes while hiking in Nova Scotia, Canada, last week. The 19-year-old was walking alone through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park when the attack occurred; another hiker reportedly heard her screams and found her seriously injured from the attack. Mitchell was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, but died the following morning.

Coyotes are generally shy animals, not known for attacking humans; it is understood that Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers shot one of the dogs believed to have been responsible for the attack and have sent it away for testing to try and determine why they attacked.

Mitchell was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music award earlier this year. Lisa Weitz, Mitchell's manager, released a statement: "Words can't begin to express the sadness and tragedy of losing such a sweet, compassionate, vibrant and phenomenally talented young woman. She loved the woods and had a deep affinity for their beauty and serenity."

2 Nov 2009