Grandma killed by her own 5 dogs ‘had the most beautiful smile,’ Iowa loved ones say

A 911 caller thought he had come across a fatal motorcycle accident when he found a woman dead in a ditch, according to Iowa authorities. He was unable to get close, though, because of “several big dogs” next to her.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene at about 1:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, according to a news release. Deputies found Mindy Kiepe, 43, with “multiple dog bite injuries.”

Two days later, the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed she was killed in a dog attack and not a motorcycle crash.

Authorities say Kiepe’s five dogs caused her death “a short distance” away from her farm home’s driveway in Rossie. A veterinarian euthanized the five dogs, which officials say were Great Danes.

“Mindy was a great mother, grandmother, and friend,” a loved one wrote in a GoFundMe. “Mindy enjoyed riding her motorcycle and spending time with her family, grandson, and friends.”

The fundraising page described her death as “extremely shattering.”

“Mindy was a kind, caring, and loving person,” Jessica Bailey wrote. “She had the most beautiful smile.”

Another loved one requested prayers on behalf of the family.

Rossie is a small rural community in northwest Iowa.

This story was originally published August 18, 2022 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Grandma killed by her own 5 dogs ‘had the most beautiful smile,’ Iowa loved ones say."