A 56-year-old Feather Falls woman was fatally mauled by a pack of Great Danes while walking on a trail in Northern California. The victim, identified as Davina Corbin, was discovered with multiple dog bite injuries early on August 8, 2024.
A neighbor found Corbin’s body on Blackhawk Trail near Feather Falls, a rural community northeast of Lake Oroville. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that her death resulted from an attack by domestic dogs. Corbin’s clothing bore DNA consistent with that of domestic dogs, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators served a search warrant at a nearby residence, where they found approximately 25 Great Danes roaming freely. Deputies, alongside Butte County Animal Control, spent the day capturing 23 of the dogs. Two remain unaccounted for, and efforts to locate them are ongoing. Authorities are currently performing DNA analysis to identify the specific dogs responsible for the deadly attack.
Residents expressed frustration, noting that they had previously informed Butte County Animal Control about the recurring problems with the loose dogs. Neighbor Max Heckler recalled his alarming encounters with the Great Danes over the past two years, explaining how they often crossed the road in his direction, forcing him to retreat to his car.
Despite repeated complaints from him and other neighbors, no meaningful action had been taken. Heckler emphasized that he had warned authorities about the potential danger, predicting that the dogs would eventually kill someone, a tragedy he believed could have been prevented.
Butte County Animal Control confirmed receiving two reports of loose dogs before the attack but stated that no reports of aggressive behavior had been filed. The department emphasized that they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
Corbin was known for regularly walking the Blackhawk Trail, and authorities believe she was attacked during one of her evening walks. In the wake of her tragic death, her family has created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses, which has so far raised over $2,800. Her son, Justin Corbin, expressed the family’s grief and their struggle to cope with the loss. He said, the funds will help cover the costs of a Celebration of Life ceremony and bring Davina home to be laid to rest beside her brother in Dixon, California.
No charges have been filed. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, and once it is completed, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.