Deputies say a responding officer shot one dog to reach the victim as two others fled.
TYLER, Texas — A 23-year-old college student was fatally mauled by three dogs while pet sitting at a home on Northwood Drive on Nov. 21, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies found the woman gravely injured in the backyard and fired at a charging dog, killing it, before reaching her.
Authorities identified the victim as Madison Riley Hull, a University of Texas at Tyler student who was six months from earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Investigators are working with the county attorney and district attorney to review evidence and determine possible charges. The homeowners were out of town. The case has drawn regional attention for its timing—days before the Thanksgiving holiday—and because Hull had previously cared for the same family’s children and pets, according to her mother.
Deputies were dispatched shortly before 3 p.m. after a 911 caller reported an attack in progress behind the residence, the sheriff’s office said. When the first deputy entered the fenced yard, one pit bull charged and was shot. Two other dogs ran off the property, allowing the deputy to reach Hull and begin life-saving efforts. She was pronounced dead shortly after. A deputy sustained minor injuries. “They did everything they could to get to her quickly,” her mother, Jennifer Hubbell, said, adding that her daughter “loved big dogs” and had been comfortable with the animals during earlier visits.
Officials said the two surviving dogs were later located by Animal Control and held under court order while the county sought a dangerous-dog determination. A hearing set for Nov. 26 was reassigned after the owner waived the right to contest, according to court records reviewed by local media. A judge authorized euthanasia, and the animals were transferred for disposition. Prosecutors have not said whether the owner faces charges, and the sheriff’s office has not released a final investigative report. The homeowners have not commented publicly as of Friday. Hull’s autopsy and toxicology results are pending.
Hull, described by professors as attentive and patient with young learners, was completing fieldwork with early grades through UT Tyler. She chose early childhood education, her family said, to better support children with special needs, inspired by her younger brother’s autism. She also worked part time as a sitter for families in the Tyler area and had visited the Northwood Drive home several times in recent weeks. Neighbors told deputies the dogs were usually kept indoors or in the fenced yard; none reported previous incidents requiring law enforcement.
In the days after the attack, mourners created a small memorial near the home’s mailbox with flowers and notes. A fundraising page organized by Hubbell had raised more than $13,000 by Wednesday to help with funeral costs. “She was a free spirit who made every child feel seen,” Hubbell said. UT Tyler administrators said counselors were available to classmates and faculty. A county spokesperson said Animal Control will review handling protocols and file a brief with commissioners once the sheriff’s investigation closes.
As of Friday morning, the sheriff’s office said the inquiry remains open while investigators compile statements from neighbors, the dog owner and first responders. Officials said any charging decisions will follow the completion of reports and consultation with prosecutors. A status update is expected after the county receives autopsy findings in the coming weeks.
Author note: Last updated November 28, 2025.