Cocoa, Florida — A Florida community is in shock after a 50-year-old woman died following a brutal dog attack that her partner says unfolded right in front of him during the early morning hours.
Authorities say the tragic incident happened in Cocoa, Florida, when the woman was out walking her small dog near her home before being attacked by two larger dogs believed to belong to a neighbor.
Woman Attacked While Walking Dog
According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Jodi Cowan was walking outside shortly after 1 a.m. on May 19 when the violent encounter began.
Surveillance footage later obtained by local media reportedly showed Cowan carrying her small dog while being chased by two larger mixed-breed dogs.
The footage cuts off moments before the actual attack occurred, but investigators confirmed Cowan suffered severe injuries during the incident.
Emergency responders rushed her to a nearby hospital before she was later airlifted for further treatment.
Despite efforts to save her, Cowan died from her injuries approximately two hours later.
Partner Recalls Horrifying Scene
Cowan’s partner, Donnell Smith, said he witnessed the terrifying attack and desperately tried to save her.
According to Smith, he first noticed movement outside before realizing the dogs were dragging Cowan down the road.
“I saw the silhouette of the two dogs dragging my wife down the road, off into the grass in front of the truck down there,” Smith recalled.
He said he ran toward the scene and found Cowan severely injured and lying in a pool of blood.
Smith told reporters the dogs returned while he was trying to help her, forcing him to defend both himself and Cowan during the chaotic moments.
Desperate Attempt to Fight Off Dogs
While attempting to stop Cowan’s bleeding, Smith said he used a knife to keep the dogs away.
“I pulled my knife out, you know, just swinging it with one hand and holding the blood with the other, trying to stop her from bleeding,” Smith said.
Eventually, he called 911 as Cowan’s condition worsened.
Authorities responded quickly, and Cowan was transported by helicopter to the hospital. However, the injuries she suffered during the attack proved fatal.
Smith later described Cowan as a compassionate person who deeply loved animals and people.
“She just loved people, loved dogs more than people, and for her to go out that way, it’s not right,” he told WESH.
Investigation Ongoing Into Fatal Attack
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that its animal services division is actively investigating the deadly attack.
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As of May 21, authorities said no criminal charges had been filed against the owner of the dogs involved.
Under Florida law, dogs considered dangerous are typically seized and quarantined during investigations into serious attacks.
State law also allows criminal penalties against dog owners in cases where animals severely injure or kill another person. Those charges can range from misdemeanors to second-degree felonies depending on the circumstances.
Community Left Mourning Tragic Loss
The violent attack has left neighbors shaken and sparked conversations about dangerous dog incidents and owner responsibility.
For Cowan’s loved ones, however, the focus remains on grieving the sudden and devastating loss of someone they say cared deeply for both people and animals.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the dogs or the ongoing investigation.
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