October 29, 2009 10:10

Canadian folk singer killed by coyotes

Singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell dies after incident in national park

Photo: PA Photos

Canadian singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell has been killed by coyotes in a Canadian national park.

The 19-year-old folk musician from Ontario was hiking alone in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, when she was attacked by two of the animals, reports Associated Press.

She was taken to hospital in Halifax, but died yesterday morning (October 28).

Rangers shot one of the coyotes after walkers alerted them to the incident after hearing Taylor screaming. They are yet to locate the second animal.

Her manager, Lisa Weitz, said, "Words can't begin to express the sadness and tragedy of losing such a sweet, compassionate, vibrant and phenomenally talented young woman."

Friends and fans have been leaving tribute messages at Mitchell's MySpace page, Myspace.com/taylormitchellband.