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A quiet visit between friends turned tragic for 68-year-old Eva Kempton of Socorro after a brutal dog attack. Kempton has been in various hospitals since the September 2 attack, and is currently at the Casa de Oro Center in Las Cruces, surrounded by the love of her family as she continues the long road to recovery.
Her daughter, Patricia Tate of El Paso, said the attack happened while Kempton, who is deaf, was visiting a friend who was in the process of moving. A dog, reportedly tied up on a nearby property, broke free from its chain and mauled Kempton, tearing open her lower face, neck and arms.
“It ripped her bottom jaw almost off,” Tate said. “Her lip was ripped open all the way down to her jaw, and when she put her arms up to protect herself, it tore both of them badly. It was terrible.”
City of Socorro Police Chief, Angel Garcia said they are uncertain exactly where the attack took place since it was reported to have happened near the sewer plant however the dog was from a residence on Giles Street.
Tate said her mother was taken to Socorro General Hospital for emergency treatment and stitches. But within days, her condition worsened. An infection developed in her wounds, spreading into her bloodstream and causing sepsis and fluid buildup on her brain. On September 9, she was transferred to Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, where doctors began treating the complications.
By the time Tate learned of her mother’s condition, Kempton was unable to walk, barely able to speak, and suffering from severe weakness.
“She wasn’t eating, she couldn’t move, and she was so sick,” Tate said. “She’s been through so much.”
According to Tate, doctors discovered that prolonged immobility had led to blood clots in Kempton’s lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism and tissue damage. She has since been moved to Casa de Oro, a skilled nursing facility in Las Cruces, where she continues rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Despite the progress—Kempton is now talking more and infection-free—her recovery remains uncertain.
“We don’t know how long it will take,” Tate said. “She’s still not mobile and needs a lot of care.”
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Tate has started a GoFundMe campaign to help relocate her mother to El Paso, where she can provide closer support. The funds will go toward securing housing, basic necessities, and medical expenses.
“When I found her in the hospital, she didn’t even have clothes or a hairbrush,” Tate said. “The GoFundMe is just to get her the things she needs to start living again.”
Tate, who has had to take time off work to manage her mother’s care, said the process has been “overwhelming.”
Meanwhile, she said communication with local authorities about the attack has been untimely, however she was able to reach the dog’s owner and was told the animal was put down.
Those wishing to contribute to Kempton’s recovery can donate through her GoFundMe page at https://bit.ly/HelpEvaKempton.
