TYLER, TX — Friday, November 21, 2025 — A 23-year-old woman, Madison Riley Hull, was fatally injured in a vicious dog attack Friday afternoon at a residence on Northwood Drive in Tyler. The incident occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. when Ms. Hull was reportedly attacked by three pit bulls in the home’s backyard. A Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on the scene and was able to remove the victim from the yard, but she died from her injuries. As first responders assisted, the dogs approached the deputy, who discharged a weapon, killing one of the animals and causing the remaining two to flee the property. The Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Ms. Hull was reportedly six months away from earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Madison Riley Hull killed in Tyler pit bull attack, Sheriff reports
Incident Location
DOG ATTACK INVESTIGATION
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a full investigation into the attack, which will focus on the ownership history of the animals and the precise conditions that led to the incident. Fatal dog attacks remain a significant public safety concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that roughly 35 people are killed annually across the U.S. in such incidents. Analysis from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests that common causes often involve preventable factors, including irresponsible ownership, prior neglect or abuse, and the failure to properly supervise large or powerful dog breeds. Data from 2005 to 2019 further indicates that pit bulls were involved in 66% of all fatal dog attacks in the nation.
Candice Bond, an experienced dog attack attorney and a national legal analyst for Accident Injury News, stressed the necessity for a swift, independent review in complex fatality cases. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and a grieving family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” Bond said. She emphasized that a thorough inquiry, independent of the police and animal control agencies, is critical to examine every factor that may have contributed to the tragic attack, ensuring the legal rights and best interests of the victim’s family are protected.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
In the aftermath of a fatal incident involving animal aggression and potential owner negligence, the family members of Madison Riley Hull may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. This civil action is intended to recover damages sustained by the survivors due to the tragic loss of their loved one.
Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News, highlighted the purpose of this legal recourse. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” Formica stated. He explained that in cases such as this, a wrongful death claim can seek compensation for severe emotional distress, pain and suffering, burial costs, and the critical loss of Ms. Hull’s companionship and future financial support. Formica added that a legal advocate would work diligently to represent the family’s best interests while navigating the legal process.
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