A 23-year-old university student was mauled to death by three pit bulls she was dog-sitting.
Madison Riley Hull was savaged in the garden of the home.
A neighbour called emergency services, and police rushed to the scene.
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Officers found Madison on the ground with the dogs still attacking her.
As one officer moved in, the animals turned on him on Friday (21 Nov) afternoon.
He fatally shot one of the charging pit bulls, with the gunshot scaring off the other two in Tyler, east of Dallas, Texas, US.
Police were then able to pull Madison to safety, but her injuries were so severe that she died shortly afterwards.
The officer who opened fire was treated in the hospital for minor injuries.
Madison was an animal lover and had previously babysat the pit bulls’ owners’ children, as reported by Need To Know.
Her devastated mother, Jennifer Hubbell, paid tribute, saying: “Madi was love, she was light, she was kindness, she was laughter.
“She was fierce in the most beautiful and disarming way.
“She loved life with her whole heart and moved through the world with a free spirit that lifted those around her.”
Madison was just six months away from earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Jennifer added, “She had already found her true purpose in teaching young children.
“Her K-3rd-grade students adored her.
“She had a gift for making every child feel safe, special and loved.
“Madison’s heart was made for that work.”
She is also survived by her younger brother.
The surviving pit bulls are set to be put down.
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