Pensioner, 85, trampled to death by cows in front of his horrified wife

The 85-year-old man and his wife, 82, were both attacked by the herd of cows as they walked towards a mountain hut in Ramsau am Dachstein in Austria’s Styria province last Sunday

An elderly walker was fatally trampled by a herd of cows while out for a hike with his wife and their dog. The 85-year-old man and his wife, 82, were both attacked by nine cows as they made their way towards a mountain hut in Ramsau am Dachstein, located in Austria’s Styria province, last Sunday.

Eyewitnesses who observed the incident rushed to assist them, speculating that the couple’s dog may have startled the cows. The two walkers and the mountain hut staff came to their rescue, alerting emergency services.

The couple were then transported to a hospital in Salzburg. Sadly, the man passed away before he could undergo emergency surgery, reports the Mirror.

Consequently, an investigation into the incident has been initiated by the police, with an autopsy also scheduled. Police spokesman Markus Raich explained: “An elderly couple from Vienna and their dog had been walking along a forest path from the Türlwandhütte towards the Austria hut.”

“Shortly after reaching the hut the 85-year-old and his wife, 82, encountered the herd of cows which included three calves. According to witnesses the cows were startled by the couple’s dog and they were attacked and trampled by the herd.

“Hikers who were present, as well as the hut operators, immediately provided first aid and alerted the emergency services. The 85-year-old and his 82-year-old wife sustained serious injuries.”

The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was airlifted to the Cardinal Schwarzenberg Hospital in Salzburg where he tragically passed away. His wife suffered injuries, but they are not thought to be life-threatening.

The dog, believed to be a mixed breed, managed to evade the cows and is now being cared for by relatives of the elderly couple.

Individuals are cautioned to exercise care when in fields with cows, particularly if accompanied by dogs, which may frighten the cattle and provoke an attack.

Earlier this year, a farmer met his end after being crushed by one of his cows during feeding time in China. The elderly gentleman was tending to his livestock when one of them charged at him, pinning him against a wall.

The cow continued to batter the farmer as he lay on the ground, crying out in agony.

This horrifying incident occurred in central China on Friday, 11 April. Local reports indicate that the victim entered the cowshed to feed the animals, as was his daily routine.

However, on this particular day, the cow inexplicably became aggressive towards him. Following the incident, the farmer was rushed to hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

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