An elderly couple who were tragically believed to have been killed by a ram on their farm have been named by the police.
The rural setting of Anzac Valley Road in Waitakere, New Zealand, was shattered by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of Helge and Gaye Hansen, a beloved elderly couple in their eighties.
Their bodies were discovered on Thursday morning on their hobby farm, where they tended to sheep, chickens, and cattle.
Local authorities confirmed that a ram was present in the paddock when the couple was found, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Sergeant Paul Newport of the Waitakere Police stated: "Another party at the scene suffered a minor injury after being attacked by this ram. Once our staff arrived at the scene they, too, were confronted and approached by the ram. On undertaking a risk assessment, the ram was shot and died at the scene."
The circumstances surrounding the incident have left both family members and law enforcement in shock. Police are conducting an investigation on behalf of the coroner to ascertain the full details of the tragedy.
Post-mortem examinations on the deceased couple are scheduled for Friday.
The couple's son made the grim discovery after being unable to reach his parents. Dean Burrell, a nephew and family spokesperson, described the incident as "a tragic accident," adding: "They're good people. They're over 80. They don't deserve this."
Neighbors, who knew the Hansens for years, expressed disbelief at the incident. One neighbor, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the couple as "very quiet" and praised Mr. Hansen's expertise in farming.
Animal behaviorist Mark Vette, with over 50 years of experience, shed light on the rarity of fatal ram attacks.
He explained: "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." However, he noted that fatal attacks are exceptionally rare.
Vette highlighted the risk posed by "rogue rams," emphasizing the danger they pose to vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, who may not be able to evade a charging animal.