The BC Coroners Service says a Tk’emlups Indian Band elder who died after she was mauled by a dog Saturday night was trying to feed her grandson’s dog at the time.

RCMP and paramedics rushed to a property on West Shuswap Road Saturday night after being called by a frantic relative.

78-year-old Kathleen Green was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family who have suffered a recent loss. She was a well respected elder in the community,” says Chief Fred Seymour, Tk’emlups Indian Band.

The dog was chained to a building at the time, but Corporal Cheryl Bush of Kamloops RCMP says those responding had to kill it in order to get to the woman.

“The dog was residing at the residence, not exactly clear on the ownership of the dog, and it was a mixed breed dog, and a fairly large dog,” Bush told CFJC Today.

Regional Coroner Larry Marzinzik says the dog weighed about 27 kilograms or 60 pounds.

Marzinzik says investigators are still trying to nail down the chain of events.

“Our main focus right now will be on the cause of death itself, just seeing if the scene and the examination of the decedent will be able to help us determine the cause of death related to it, and then also just confirm the fact that it would have been from injuries received during the attack,” said Marzinzik.

The Tk’emlups Indian Band is in shock, counselling has been made available to help guide the community through this tragedy.

“The family would like to thank everyone for the well wishes and supports through this hard time. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragedy that took place, and they ask that the community and media please respect their privacy at this time of mourning of their mother, grandmother, sister and aunt,” says Chief Seymour.