Florida family launches GoFundMe after 71-year-old woman mauled by dogs while walking to work

A Florida family is reeling from heartbreak and demanding justice after 71-year-old Doreen Richards Broadbelt was tragically killed in a vicious dog attack while walking to work in Miami Gardens.

As authorities continue investigating the fatal mauling, loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, calling on the community to support a woman who spent her life giving to others.

Doreen Broadbelt: A Life of Generosity Cut Short

On the morning of September 1, Broadbelt was walking her usual route to Walmart, where she had worked for over a decade. She never made it. A pack of dogs attacked her near Norwood Elementary School, leaving her fatally wounded. Police later confirmed that six dogs were swabbed for DNA testing to determine their involvement. The investigation remains active, with new images of the suspected dogs released to the public.

Broadbelt’s death has shaken the Miami Gardens neighborhood, where residents say aggressive dogs have long posed a threat. Her family revealed that she often carried a stick for protection, fearing the very attack that ultimately claimed her life.

GoFundMe Seeks Support for Final Farewell for Doreen Broadbelt

In the wake of this tragedy, Broadbelt’s family has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her burial. “We are in indescribable shock and grief,” the GoFundMe reads. “We would like to lay her to a peaceful rest and seek financial assistance to bury her.”

The fundraiser highlights Broadbelt’s legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and community member. Every year, she sent care packages and school supplies to children in Jamaica, her homeland. Her husband, Donovan Broadbelt, described her as “a people person” whose compassion touched everyone she met.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Miami Gardens Police Department has yet to confirm which dogs were responsible or whether their owners will face charges. Meanwhile, neighbors have reported similar attacks in the area, raising concerns about lax enforcement of animal control violations.

As the investigation unfolds, Broadbelt’s family continues to advocate for accountability and for the support they need to honor her memory. The GoFundMe campaign remains active, with donations pouring in from those moved by her story and the injustice of her death.

How You Can Help

To contribute to Doreen Richards Broadbelt’s memorial fund, visit the official GoFundMe campaign. Every donation helps ease the financial burden on her grieving family and ensures she receives the dignified farewell she deserves.