A tragic incident unfolded in Southern California when a young mother from Arizona lost her life to a dog attack, while bravely safeguarding her 5-year-old son.

Emily Panuco, 26, had traveled from Parker, Arizona, to her mother’s residence in Big River, just across the state line, on February 27. The purpose of her visit was to see a new litter of puppies, as reported by the Colorado River Sheriff’s Department.

The puppies, only a week old, were situated in a cardboard box near the front entrance of the house located on the 6700 block of Wingfoot Court. As Panuco’s young son approached to pet the puppies, a sudden and violent attack ensued.

Three adult dogs on the premises, including the mother of the puppies, launched an unexpected assault. In a desperate attempt to protect her child, Panuco placed herself between her son and the aggressive dogs.

Sadly, Panuco sustained multiple bite injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

Her son, though also bitten twice, received prompt medical attention at a hospital and was later discharged.

Authorities did not disclose the dogs’ breed but stated that animal control took possession of them and they were later euthanized.

A GoFundMe organized by Panuco’s loved ones described her as a “devoted mother” to a 6-year-old and 7-month-old who worked at a library and “touched the lives of many children and families.”

“Her love for her own family was evident in everything she did, and her absence leaves a tremendous void,” it said.

The investigation remains ongoing.