In a tragic incident on Thursday, April 18, Alfred Helge Hansen and Gaye Carole Hansen, a couple in their early eighties, were found dead on their rural property following an apparent attack by a ram. The event took place in a paddock on Anzac Valley Road, Waitakere, a rural area located west of Auckland, New Zealand.
The bodies of the Hansens were discovered by their son who went to visit them after being unable to contact them for several days. He came across an aggressive ram on the property. The animal was later killed by police officers who responded to the scene and felt threatened by its hostile behavior.
Police reports provide a chilling account of the events that led to the Hansens’ deaths. According to initial findings, Mr. Hansen had gone to attend to the ram but did not return. His wife, worried about his extended absence, went out to look for him and she too did not return to their home.
The family’s deep shock and grief were conveyed by their nephew and family spokesperson, Dean Burrell, in comments to the media: “They’re good people. They’re over 80. They don’t deserve this,” said Burrell. He further highlighted the unexpected nature of the tragedy, saying, “I feel like I was dreaming it actually… being told what had happened and I just didn’t believe it.”
The Hansens were highly respected in their local community. A neighbor described them as a “very quiet couple” to the NZ Herald and commended Mr. Hansen for his lifelong dedication to farming. “He was a very good stockman,” the neighbor stated, reflecting the esteem in which the couple was held.
At this point, police are treating the incident as unexplained and are working with the coroner to conduct a comprehensive investigation. A postmortem exam is set to shed light on the exact circumstances of the couple’s deaths. A significant police presence along with St John medics were observed at the property throughout Thursday.
Animal behavior expert, Mark Vette, discussed with Newshub the typical behavior of rams and the potential dangers they pose. “Most people who have farmed at some stage would have had a ram that you’ve got to be careful of. If you turn your back on them, they’ll have a bit of a crack at you at times,” Vette explained. He emphasized that while such attacks are not common, rams, with their strength and unpredictability, can cause severe injuries or even death.
The incident has caused a stir in the local community, highlighting the risks associated with dealing with livestock. Vette added, “It would be a very rare occasion for a ram to injure someone to that level, but where you can get knocked over and hurt is usually common,” noting that being cornered by a ram could pose a significant danger, especially for those unable to quickly escape.
As the investigation progresses, the tragic loss of the Hansens serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased caution when interacting with farm animals, even for seasoned farmers like Mr. Hansen. The local farming community, along with the Hansens’ family and friends, are left to mourn and reflect on this sudden and unforeseen tragedy.
