Taylor Mitchell (19), who was a singer and song writer, was killed by coyotes while she was hiking alone in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada. Mitchell was attacked Tuesday, but died of her injuries on Wednesday. Mitchell was on tour promoting her album.

Paul Maynard of Emergency Health Services said Mitchell already was in critical condition when paramedics arrived on the scene and had multiple bite wounds over her entire body.

"She was losing a considerable amount of blood from the wounds," he said.

An official with Parks Canada said they blocked the entrance to the trail where Mitchell was attacked and were trying to find the animals to determine what prompted such an unusual attack.

"There’s been some reports of aggressive animals, so it’s not unknown," said Helene Robichaud, the park’s superintendent. "But we certainly never have had anything so dramatic and tragic."

Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokeswoman Brigdit Leger said other hikers heard Mitchell’s screams for help on Tuesday and called emergency police dispatchers.

Police who were in the area reached the scene quickly and shot one of the animals, apparently wounding it. But the wounded animal and a companion coyote managed to get away.

Lisa Weitz, Mitchell’s manager, said:

"Words can’t begin to express the sadness and tragedy of losing such a sweet, compassionate, vibrant, and phenomenally talented young woman. She just turned 19 two months ago, and was so excited about the future."

Mitchell was an up-and-coming folk and country musician who was nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award in the Young Performer of the Year category.