TX Mayor Killed in Freak Donkey-Trampling Accident

William Bohlke, mayor of Hollywood Park, Texas, (about 15 miles from San Antonio) was killed by a 500-pound donkey on Monday. The freak accident took place on Bohlke's ranch and his body was discovered by Atascosa County officials around 10 hours after the attack took place.

Details are scarce and officials may not be able to garner a great deal of information, as it appears as though Bohlke was alone at the time of the incident. Authorities are saying that the donkey likely trampled and kicked the mayor to death between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. near his truck (the vehicle's door was found open and the engine was running). The family will decide the animal's fate, as the donkey is purportedly still roaming around the ranch.

"We’ll probably never know what triggered it, but it was evident that this particular donkey was involved, based on the evidence at the scene and what we saw on this donkey," Atascosa County Chief Deputy David Soward said in an interview with the San Antonio Express-News.

Soward described some of the factors that may have played a role in the attack. He said that it's not uncommon for donkeys to "become very aggressive" and "very mean." Such behavior can be spawned by a female being in heat.

Bohlke's family issued a statement on the city's web site, explaining the incident and letting residents know that funeral arrangements are underway. The statement fails to mention the donkey attack.

"It is with great regret that we, the family of Bill Bohlke, wish to inform you of his passing last night, August 27th, 2012," the statement reads, in part. "Bill suffered a fatal injury while taking care of his prized cow herd near Pleasanton last evening."

The major was a retired Air Force pilot and a Vietnam War veteran. He left behind a wife and three children.

(H/T: Time Newsfeed)