Camel Attack In West Tennessee Kills 2 Men: Police

OBION, TN — Two people are dead following an attack by a loose camel at a Tennessee petting zoo, authorities said Friday.

Bobby Matheny, 42, of Ridgely, and Tommy Gunn, 67, of Obion, were killed during the Thursday attack at Shirley Farms in Obion, according to the Obion County Sheriff's Department. Deputies were called to the farm around 4:45 p.m.

When deputies arrived, they found both victims unconscious on the ground and the camel still on the loose. As authorities rendered aid to the victims, the camel attacked an Obion County Sheriff's Office vehicle before it moved toward deputies.

The camel was then euthanized for the "safety of everyone on scene," authorities said in a release.

Both victims were pronounced dead shortly after the attack, authorities said.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office, Ridgely Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Lake County Rescue Squad assisted with the call.