Oklahoma Mother Critically Injured in Mysterious Animal Attack, Family Faces Crisis
A 38-year-old Oklahoma mother and primary caregiver for her family remains in critical condition after being brutally attacked by an unidentified animal in rural Blanco. Alicia Maxey, mother of four, was found unconscious and severely injured in a remote yard on Sunday morning by a nearby homeowner who is also a certified emergency medical technician.
Multiple Surgeries and Ongoing Medical Battle
Maxey was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, where she has undergone four extensive surgeries since the attack. She continues to fight for her life, with her husband Wallace describing the emotional toll. "When I first walked in and I saw her, I just broke down and started crying," Wallace told Fox 23. "I wasn’t expecting this. Alicia is a loving, caring person."
Between surgeries, Maxey told Fox 23 on Friday, "I’m in too much pain to say anything right now," highlighting the severity of her injuries and recovery process.
DNA Tests to Identify Animal Attacker
Initial reports suggested the attacker was a dog, as indicated on a GoFundMe page set up by Maxey’s sister-in-law, Kat Kelley. However, due to the unusual severity of the injuries, Oklahoma Wildlife Services is assisting authorities in identifying the animal responsible.
Torn clothing and other materials from the scene are being analyzed for DNA to determine whether the attacker was a dog, bear, mountain lion, or another creature. Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon told Fox 23, "In 38 years, I’ve never been involved in or seen anything like this in terms of injuries caused by a wild animal."
Kelley recounted that Maxey reported hearing a "deep growl" just before the attack. "Something just pounced on her and knocked her to the ground," Kelley said. "She described it as dog-like, but she didn’t say for certain that it was a dog."
Family Struggles with Financial and Logistical Challenges
The attack has plunged Maxey’s family into a severe crisis. As the primary income earner, her inability to work has created significant financial strain. Her husband Wallace is on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant, adding to the family’s burdens.
Kelley wrote on the GoFundMe campaign that the family’s only vehicle was towed after the incident and is accumulating fees daily, making it difficult for Wallace to travel nearly two hours for his dialysis appointments. The family faces mounting costs for food, housing, and travel while supporting Alicia’s recovery.
"Now, with Alicia unable to work, their family is struggling to keep up with daily expenses," Kelley explained, emphasizing the urgent need for community support during this challenging time.
The Independent has reached out to Kelley, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma Wildlife Services for further updates on the investigation and Maxey’s condition.
