UPDATE: Nov. 1, 2019
An autopsy has confirmed that Laura Hurst, 36, died from ‘asphyxiation due to strangulation by a snake.’
OXFORD, Ind. — Indiana State Police said 36-year-old Laura Hurst from Battle Ground was found dead with an 8-foot python around her neck on Wednesday.
Hurst was found in a home on North Dan Patch Drive in Oxford. State police say the home is set up to collect snakes.
Sgt. Kim Riley with the State Police said the python was wrapped around Hurst’s neck, and when medics arrived they tried to revive her but were unsuccessful.
Police said it looked like the Hurst was “strangled by the snake,” but they don’t know that for sure until the autopsy is done on Friday.
The house had around 140 snakes inside, police say around 20 of those snakes belonged to Hurst, who went to the home two times a week.
(Photo: Indiana State Police)
