Aggressive donkey blamed in mayor's death

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HOLLYWOOD PARK, Texas, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- A stud donkey has been blamed for the death of Hollywood Park, Texas, Mayor William Bohlke, law enforcement officials said.

Atascosa County Chief Deputy David Soward said Wednesday Bohlke's body was found on his Atascosa County ranch Monday about 10 hours after a donkey apparently attacked him, the San Antonio Express-News reported Thursday.

"They can become very aggressive, very mean, sometimes triggered by a female in heat," Soward said. "We'll probably never know what triggered it, but it was evident that this particular donkey was involved, based on the evidence at the scene and what we saw on this donkey."

Soward said it appeared Bohlke was kicked or trampled.

"Bill suffered a fatal injury while taking care of his prized cow herd near Pleasanton," a family statement on Hollywood Park's municipal Web site. "Bill, your mayor, dearly loved serving you, our community, and we only wish he was here to continue doing so."

Bohlke, elected in his first run for public office in May, also raised cattle and horses on the ranch.

The Express-News said the Hollywood Park City Council will meet Sept. 8 to discuss appointing a replacement.