An Arizona woman tragically lost her life in a brutal dog attack while bravely defending her young son outside her mother’s residence in Southern California.

Emily Panuco, a 26-year-old mother from Parker, Arizona, had traveled to her mother’s home in Big River with her 5-year-old son on February 27, as reported by the Colorado River Sheriff’s Department. Their visit was intended to see a litter of puppies at the property.

The puppies, just a week old and belonging to Panuco’s mother, were kept in a cardboard box near the front entrance. Also present were three adult dogs, including the puppies’ mother.

According to police, as Panuco’s son drew near the box to interact with the puppies, the three adult dogs suddenly charged at him.

In a desperate effort to protect her child, Emily Panuco intervened, placing herself between her son and the attacking dogs, as detailed by law enforcement officials.

Panuco subsequently jumped in and attempted to shield her son from the attack, according to police. 

Tragically, Panuco sustained numerous bite wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. 

Her 5-year-old son suffered two severe bites and was transported to a local hospital, before he was later released.

Emily Panuco was killed by three dogs after she jumped in to protect her young son during the attack, according to the Colorado River Sheriff’s Department. (Emily Ann/Facebook)

The three adult dogs were subsequently taken into custody by local animal control and later euthanized, police said.

Following the horrific incident, Panuco’s loved ones mourned the death of their loved one while remembering her life. 

“Emily was a devoted mother who worked at the CRITT library, where she touched the lives of many children and families,” a GoFundMe created to cover funeral costs and family living expenses read. “Her love for her own family was evident in everything she did, and her absence leaves a tremendous void.”

Emily Panuco leaves behind her husband and two young children, according to a family fundraiser. (Emily Ann/Facebook)

Panuco leaves behind her husband and two young children, according to the fundraiser. 

The Colorado River Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

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