Authorities Not Sure What Kind of Animal Killed Elderly Teacher

Sad news out of North Carolina, where authorities are trying to figure out what animal killed an elderly English teacher. The New York Daily News reports on the death of 77-year-old Brenda Hamilton, who was found by paramedics Friday in Pantego after a 911 call came in shortly before 6am, per the Charlotte Observer. Hamilton, who was said to be suffering from what the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office described as "severe injuries," was transported to a local hospital, where she was listed in critical condition before eventually succumbing to her injuries.

The school where she taught, the Pungo Christian Academy, confirmed her death Monday in a Facebook post. Per WYFF, DNA testing is being carried out to narrow down the possible attacker. So far, early testing has ruled out indigenous wildlife, which would include alligators, bears, and coyotes in Beaufort County, per the Observer. Domestic dogs are on the list of suspected animals. Hamilton, who attended East Carolina University, had been at PCA since 1968, teaching English language and literature, according to the school's website. (More animal attack stories.)