The bird pecked a varicose vein on her lower left leg, causing “significant hemorrhage with collapse and death,” according to a study on the incident.
The research on the attack was first published online late last month in the journal Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology.
"Even relatively small domestic animals may be able to inflict lethal injuries in individuals if there are specific vascular vulnerabilities present," the report said.
The autopsy revealed two small bleeding lacerations over a large varicose vein.
"Death was therefore due to exsanguination from bleeding varicose veins," the report concluded.
The woman was not identified and the exact location of the attack was not released to protect her family, USA Today reported.
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that may be just a cosmetic problem in some people but for others can cause aching pain and discomfort and lead to more serious problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
About the Author