Oklahoma Mom Severely Injured in Suspected Animal Attack

Alicia Maxey was discovered mauled in Blanco, Oklahoma on March 29 as authorities investigate the unknown animal responsible.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a torn piece of fabric or other physical evidence from the crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violent nature of the attack on Alicia Maxey.Evidence from the animal attack scene exposes the severity of Alicia Maxey's injuries and the need for a thorough investigation.Pittsburg Today

A 38-year-old mother from Oklahoma, Alicia Maxey, was severely injured in an apparent animal attack on March 29 while her husband Wallace is on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant. Maxey was discovered unconscious and bloody by a homeowner who was an EMT, and she now faces a long recovery after multiple emergency surgeries. Authorities are investigating the incident and testing evidence to determine if the animal was a bear, mountain lion, or dog.

Why it matters

This incident has left Maxey's family in shock and facing significant medical and financial challenges, as Alicia was the primary breadwinner while Wallace requires ongoing dialysis treatment. The severity of Alicia's injuries and the uncertainty around the animal responsible have raised concerns in the local community.

The details

Alicia Maxey told her sister-in-law that she heard a 'deep growl' right before being attacked and knocked to the ground by what she described as a 'dog-like' animal. The homeowner who discovered Maxey called 911, and she was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. Maxey has undergone multiple surgeries, and her husband Wallace said he was not expecting the extent of her injuries when he first saw her condition. Authorities are testing evidence from the scene, including Maxey's tattered clothing, to determine the species of the animal involved.

  • Alicia Maxey was attacked on March 29, 2026.
  • Maxey has undergone several emergency surgeries since the incident.

The players

Alicia Maxey

A 38-year-old mother from Oklahoma who was severely injured in an apparent animal attack on March 29.

Wallace Maxey

Alicia Maxey's husband, who is currently on dialysis and waiting for a kidney transplant.

Kat Kelley

Alicia Maxey's sister-in-law, who started a GoFundMe to assist the family with expenses during Alicia's recovery.

Frankie McClendon

The Pittsburg County Sheriff, who stated he has never seen injuries of this extent caused by a wild animal in his 38-year career.

Oklahoma Wildlife Services

The agency working with the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Office to identify the animal responsible for the attack.

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What they’re saying

“Something just pounced on her and knocked her to the ground. She says it was dog-like is what she described, but she didn't say it was certainly a dog.”

— Kat Kelley, Alicia Maxey's sister-in-law

“When I first walked in and I saw her, I just broke down and started crying. I wasn't expecting this.”

— Wallace Maxey, Alicia Maxey's husband

“Alicia is a loving, caring person. It doesn't matter who you are, she will sit there and help you the best that she can.”

— Wallace Maxey, Alicia Maxey's husband

“[In] 38 years, I've never been involved or seen anything to this extent as far as injuries caused by a wild animal.”

— Frankie McClendon, Pittsburg County Sheriff

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and analyze evidence to determine the specific animal responsible for the attack on Alicia Maxey.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has left the Maxey family facing significant medical and financial challenges, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preparedness in rural communities when it comes to potential wildlife encounters. The community has rallied to support the family during this difficult time.