The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an 85-year-old woman found outside a home Tuesday morning near Apex, with authorities examining whether a possible dog attack may have been involved.
Deputies said Betty Alston, 85, was discovered deceased around 11 a.m. Tuesday outside a residence along Alston Road near New Hope Church Road.
According to the sheriff’s office, officials were initially called to the scene after reports of a possible dog attack. When family members arrived, they reportedly found three dogs near Alston’s body and were able to scare the animals away.
Authorities said the dogs have since been secured as the investigation continues.
At this time, officials have not confirmed the exact cause of death. Investigators are working alongside the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office to determine what happened and whether the dogs played a role in the incident.
The circumstances surrounding Alston’s death remain under active investigation.
