A South Texas mayor was kicked and trampled to death by an enraged 500-pound donkey on his ranch.
The male ass, called a jack, jumped on top of Hollywood Park Mayor William 'Bill' Bohlke and chased him for several minutes before he died, investigators believe.
Investigators with the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office still aren't certain what prompted the attack -- and they never will be.
Mr Bolhke, 69, was an experienced cattle rancher who raised prize-winning heifers.
Sheriff's deputies found his body Monday night after his family reported him missing.
A female donkey in the pasture that was in heat and ready to breed -- which may have agitated the beast.
The donkey already had a history of aggression, family members told investigators.
Deputy Soward said he spokes with a veterinarian who said extreme aggression among donkeys is rare, but it had been known to happen before.
Mr Bohlke went out to his pastures on Monday morning to check his cattle and take photographs of his well-bred herd.
Deputy Soward believes the donkey jumped on Mr Bolhke from behind and knocked off his glasses and knocked his cell phone out of his hand.
Mr Bolhke ran for his life as the donkey, which has a history of aggression' kicked and jumped on him.
Investigators believe he ran for the safety of a nearby trailer, but he never made it there.
His body showed multiple bruises and hoof prints from the battering.
His body was found Monday night during a search by deputies and relatives. A formal cause of death is pending.
They're not sure whether it was the brutal beating he took or a heart attack that ended his life.
Deputy Soward says it?s up to the family to decide what to do with the donkey.
Mayor Pro Tem Steve Phillips will serve as acting mayor of Hollywood Park, a town of about 3,000 just north of San Antonio.
Flags in the town are flying at half staff to honor Mr Bolhke.
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012...ey-attack?lite
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