Pelham vet commits suicide at clinic, remembered by clients - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Pelham vet commits suicide at clinic, remembered by clients

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By Ashton Pellom - bio | email
Kelli Akridge Kelli Akridge

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PELHAM, GA -

Investigators say it's possible a Pelham veterinarian injected herself with a fatal dose of drugs after doing the same thing to her pets.

Dr. Edith Klein killed herself at her office after euthanizing her six pets.

Her clients call her a good vet and a good person who may have become overwhelmed by financial problems.

"I still can't believe it," said Former Pet Health Care Clinic client Kelli Akridge.

Akridge is still in shock, Monday night, after hearing 48-year-old Dr. Edith Klein took the life of her six pets before taking her own life.

"She wasn't even from here and that's the only thing she had and I hate to hear that," said Akridge.

An employee found Dr. Klein's body early this morning at the business on highway 19 near Pelham.

Akridge says a new veterinarian nearby may have taken business away from Klein.

"She was just new to us and nobody really wanted to give her a chance, but she was really good," said Akridge.

Investigators say Klein euthanized her own 4 dogs and 2 cats and then took her life.

"The cause of her death is still undetermined at this time. An autopsy will be done at the Macon Crime lab tomorrow," said Mitchell County coroner Stedderick Thomas.

There weren't obvious injuries to Klein's body, so investigators believe she must have either injected herself or taken pills.

"I feel like she took their lives with her because that's all she had. I don't know if she was married or had a lot of family, but I believe that was her family and she wanted them to be with her," said Akridge.

As for Akridge, she hopes the business can survive.

"I just hope they get to stay open. I hope they do find another vet to help out and I hope people will still give them a chance even though I know what happened is a big shock," said Akridge.

And a community is left to mourn and wait to see if they get answers that explain the tragedy.

Investigators aren't sure how long Klein had been dead when she was discovered.    

She owned all the animals found dead with her.

 

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