Investigators say the 23-year-old Tyler student was fatally attacked while pet sitting three pit bulls in Tyler, as deputies tried but failed to reach her.
University of Texas at Tyler student, 23-year-old Jennifer Hubbell, studying Early Childhood Education was killed in a dog attack while caring for three pit bulls at a home in East Texas, prompting renewed questions about pet safety and oversight of large-breed dogs across the United States.
Jennifer Hubbell, a student at the University of Texas at Tyler, was found critically injured in the backyard of the home on November 21 after authorities received an emergency call, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies arrived around 4:15 p.m. local time, and encountered one of the dogs charging toward them. A deputy shot the animal before reaching Hubbell, but she could not be revived. The officer sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Hubbell had been studying Early Childhood Education and was six months away from completing her degree. She worked closely with children in local classrooms as part of her training, and her family said teaching had long been her passion. Images shared by loved ones show her smiling with friends and interacting warmly with young students.
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Her mother, Madison Riley Hull, announced the loss in a message posted on a fundraising page set up to support funeral costs. She described her daughter as “loving, free-spirited, and full of life,” adding that the family was struggling to comprehend the sudden tragedy. The campaign had raised more than $13,000 by November 25, 2025, with dozens of messages expressing sympathy from across the community.
Local officials said the two remaining dogs fled after the gunfire and were later secured. Authorities have not released further information about ownership of the animals or whether charges may follow. Smith County Judge Andy Dunklin is expected to provide an update during a scheduled hearing on November 26, 2025.
The incident comes amid a series of recent fatal dog attacks in different parts of the country, including separate cases involving a family dog in Florida and multiple large-breed dogs in California. Animal safety advocates say the rise in such incidents underscores the need for better enforcement of pet management rules and clearer guidelines for owners of powerful breeds.
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said it continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. No timeline has been provided for when additional findings may be released.
Hubbell’s family said the outpouring of support has brought them some comfort. They described her as someone who “lit up every room” and had already made a lasting impact on the students she hoped to teach professionally.
