A 19-year-old woman died from severe injuries following an attack by an XL Bully dog inside a flat in Bristol, England, last month. Morgan Dorsett, a resident of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, passed away on February 26, 2025, after enduring significant bites to her face and neck.
An inquest into Dorsett’s demise started on March 24, when Coroner’s officer Alexis Camp shared details about the tragic event. “Morgan received significant dog bites to her face and neck, resulting in her sad death,” Camp stated at the inquest hearing. Paramedics declared Dorsett dead at the location in the Hartcliffe area of Bristol.
A post-mortem examination provisionally determined the cause of death as dog bites to Dorsett’s neck. Her mother, Marie Smith, later identified her body at the mortuary in Flax Bourton, near Bristol.
The dog involved in the incident, a male XL Bully named Prince, was seized and euthanized following the attack. An autopsy confirmed that the animal belonged to the banned XL Bully breed, prohibited in the UK in 2023 due to being frequently involved in fatal incidents.
Senior coroner for Avon, Maria Voisin, opened the inquest but indicated it would not continue immediately. “Because of the pending criminal investigation, I am not going to list this. It will be on a date to be fixed,” Voisin explained during the hearing.
The coroner’s court learned of family concerns regarding the police investigation. Statements from Dorsett’s family, police, and paramedics are to be gathered, along with a comprehensive post-mortem and toxicology report, in preparation for the final inquest hearing.
Following the attack, authorities detained a man and a woman in their twenties on suspicion of owning a banned dog breed and being accountable for a dog that was dangerously out of control, leading to a fatal injury. Both were released on conditional bail as the investigation continues.
Neighbors reported hearing screams on the night of the attack. Some witnesses described seeing the dog’s owner leaving her house covered in blood, exclaiming: “They killed my dog.” Witnesses described the dog as “large, muscular, and brown and white” in color.
Avon and Somerset Police neighborhood inspector Terry Murphy addressed the incident at a press conference the day after the attack. “Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family of the young woman who tragically died as a result of yesterday evening’s incident. They have been updated and will be supported by a family liaison officer,” Murphy stated.
The incident has been characterized by police as “incredibly rare,” and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the complete circumstances surrounding Dorsett’s death.
In heartfelt tributes, Dorsett’s stepfather, Matthew Travis, described her as a “loveable rogue” with a “cheeky smile” that would win him over. Her mother, Marie, expressed gratitude for the messages of support during this challenging time.
Friends of Dorsett’s family have initiated a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral and memorial expenses. The fundraiser has already surpassed the initial target of £4,000 ($5,500), raising over £8,000 ($11,000). Organizers stated the funds would alleviate the family’s financial burdens, enabling them to grieve in their own way and time.
Sharon Harris, who organized the crowdfunding effort, described Morgan as “a truly beautiful girl.” Harris noted that Morgan was “strong, kind and so full of life.”
Some neighbors suggested that Dorsett may have experienced a seizure, causing her to fall on the dog, which then attacked her, though this information has not been confirmed by officials.
The XL Bully breed was added to the Dangerous Dogs list in England and Wales in 2023 following a series of fatal attacks.
The full inquest hearing will be scheduled once the criminal investigation is complete and all necessary reports have been prepared.
