63-year-old found dead next to her bike was attacked by dog, Alabama coroner says
A woman found lying dead on the side of the road had been attacked by a dog, an Alabama corner said.
A passerby found 63-year-old Sharon Kaye Billups Portis unresponsive the morning of Nov. 9, according to a news release from the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office.
Portis was lying next to her bike on the grassy shoulder next to the road in the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham, according to the news release.
She was pronounced dead on the scene. The autopsy revealed she had “sustained injuries during an apparent dog attack.”
Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates told McClatchy News it was unclear how much time had passed since the dog attack and when Portis was found, but it was likely not a long time.
“Lord grant comfort and peace to our family during the loss of our beloved Sister Sharon K. Billups Portis, especially our dear Mom,” a family member wrote on Facebook.
Portis lived in Birmingham, according to the coroner’s report.
The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the incident.
What to know about dog attacks
“Dogs give us comfort, companionship, exercise, entertainment, and unconditional love,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “But it’s important to remember that any dog can bite, even trusted family pets.”
Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 of those people need medical attention, according to the CDC.
Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.
If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:
Stay calm and be still.
Avoid eye contact with the dog.
Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.
Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.
Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.
This story was originally published November 14, 2023 at 12:23 PM with the headline "63-year-old found dead next to her bike was attacked by dog, Alabama coroner says."