Teenager, 19, killed in XL Bully assault died of bites to the face and neck, inquest hears
A teenager who died in an XL bully dog attack suffered bites to the face and neck in the horrifying incident, the opening of an inquest has heard.
Morgan Dorsett, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, died following the attack inside a flat in Cobhorn Drive, Withywood, Bristol, on February 26.
Avon Coroners’ Court heard a post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as dog bites to Miss Dorsett’s neck.
Coroners officer Alexis Camp told the hearing that Miss Dorsett’s death was confirmed at 7.29pm by a paramedic.
Miss Dorsett was identified by her mother, Marie Smith, in the mortuary at Flax Bourton, near Bristol.
Ms Camp said: ‘Morgan received significant dog bites to her face and neck, resulting in her sad death.’
She added: ‘I understand that there are family concerns regarding the police criminal investigation.’
A preliminary cause of death of dog bites to the neck was given to the court.
Morgan Dorsett, from Shropshire, died at the scene after she was attacked by an XL Bully
Avon Coroners’ Court heard a post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as dog bites to Miss Dorsett’s neck
Statements will be taken from Miss Dorsett’s family, police and paramedics, with a full post-mortem report and toxicology report prepared ahead of the final inquest hearing.
Maria Voisin, senior coroner for Avon, said: ‘Because of the pending criminal investigation, I am not going to list this. It will be on a date to be fixed.’
The dog was put down following the incident.
A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury and resulting in death, as well as possession of a prohibited breed of dog. They have been released on conditional bail.
In an emotional tribute to his stepdaughter, Matthew Travis wrote: ‘Words can’t describe how much our hearts are breaking at the moment.
‘The loveable rogue who knew what she wants and also how to get it. That cheeky smile would win me over every bloody time even to the point you would have me making you pasta at 2am.’
Matthew Travis paid tribute to his ‘loveable rogue’ stepdaughter Morgan Dorsett
Mr Travis added that Morgan ‘holds a place no one else will ever fill’
The tribute paid by Morgan’s stepfather, Matthew, on social media
Mr Travis added: ‘You could do no wrong in my eyes and will always be my favourite (as you would enjoy telling everyone).
‘In our hearts you will hold a place no one else will ever fill.’
Morgan’s mother, Marie Louise, wrote on Facebook: ‘I would like to thank everyone who has messaged us. I have read them all and really do appreciate it. I will get back to all eventually. Much love.’
Neighbours, who said they had heard Morgan was an epileptic, said she suffered a seizure – falling on the dog which then turned on her.
