Texas mayor killed in donkey attack

HOLLYWOOD PARK, Texas (AP) - A South Texas mayor has been found dead after apparently being attacked by a 500-pound donkey on his ranch.

The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that the death of Hollywood Park Mayor William "Bill" Bohlke appears to be an accident. Bohlke was 65.

Chief Deputy David Soward says Bohlke apparently was attacked Monday morning by a male, aggressive donkey he kept on the ranch. His body was found Monday night during a search by deputies and relatives. A formal cause of death is pending.

Soward says it's up to the family to decide what to do with the donkey.

Following is a statement written by the Bohlke family: "It is with great regret that we, the family of Bill Bohlke, wish to inform you of his passing last night, August 27th, 2012. Bill suffered a fatal injury while taking care of his prized cow herd near Pleasanton last evening. Bill, your mayor, dearly loved serving you, our community, and we only wish he was here to continue doing so. We are still making the necessary funeral arrangements and will advise City Hall when we have been able to do so."

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Phillips will serve as acting mayor of Hollywood Park, a town of about 3,000 just north of San Antonio.

Online:

http://www.hollywoodpark-tx.gov/