Folk singer Taylor Mitchell was a rising star of the Canadian music industry. The 19-year-old singer was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award this year in the young performer of the year category.
Mauled to death by coyotes
Mitchell died after being brutally attacked by two coyotes as she hiked alone in a national park in Cape Breton Highlands National Park Tuesday.
The up-and-coming folk musician from Ontario was hiking alone in Nova Scotia and walking along the Skyline Trail, one of the most scenic trails, when the normally shy animals brutally attacked her, reports Associated Press.
Other hikers in the area heard her frantic screams and called the park rangers who shot one of the animals. With bites covering her entire body, Mitchell was then airlifted to a hospital in Halifax, where she was listed in critical condition.
She died of her injuries Wednesday morning (Oct. 28) in the hospital.
Animals brutally wounded the singer
According to Paul Maynard of Emergency Health Services, Mitchell was already in critical condition when paramedics arrived on the scene and had multiple bite wounds over her whole body.
"She was losing a considerable amount of blood from the wounds," he said.
Devastated by the loss of everyone’s favorite, Mitchell’s manager Lisa Weitz said in 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 just turned 19 two months ago, and was so excited about the future," Weitz added.
Rangers shot animals
According to reports citing Bridgit Leger, a spokeswoman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, rangers arrived on the scene of attack quickly after walkers alerted them to the incident.
When the police found the two animals extremely aggressive, they shot one of the coyotes, but it only wounded the animal. The wounded animal and a companion coyote managed to flee. But, later that evening, one animal was killed, while the injured one has yet to be found.
"Coyotes are normally afraid of humans. This is a very irregular occurrence," Bridgit told Reuters news agency.
Tributes poured in
Mitchell’s associates and friends have expressed grief over her tragic death. Her fans have been swarming her MySpace page with tribute messages.
"Taylor was a brilliant and beautiful light that people were naturally drawn to," said Michael Johnston, the producer of her debut CD, For Your Consideration, released earlier this year.
"She was so young and talented — her big dreams were a perfect match with her big, kind heart."
Mitchell last performed at a small concert in Lucasville. She excitedly told fans on her blog few days ago that she had just finished her "first 'official' show of the tour".
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