Pig may have contributed to Pataskala woman's death, police say

PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) – Police are investigating the Christmas Day death of a woman who may have been injured by a pig.

According to Pataskala police, an officer responded to a request for a welfare check on Mink Street. The caller was concerned when a family member, Rebecca Ringey, did not show up for a holiday gathering and could not get in touch with her. The caller also told police that Ringey had recently undergone surgery and had other medical issues.

An officer arrived at 11:47 a.m. and found Ringey dead on the steps of her front porch. Ringey reportedly had suffered trauma injuries to her lower extremities.

The officer observed a large pig enter the property from around the corner of the home and was able to get the pig to leave. It was discovered that the pig belonged to a neighbor.

Police then noticed evidence of the pig’s presence around the scene. The officer and a sergeant determined the pig may have contributed Ringey's injuries, although they've yet to determine what led to the injuries. A second pig was discovered at the home and the owner was informed they would need to be quarantined until further notice.

The Licking County Coroner's Office confirmed the cause of her death was not by pigs eating her and did not specify the connection of the animals to Ringey's death.