In a tragic incident, officials report that Emily Panuco, aged 26, was fatally bitten by several dogs while trying to save her 5-year-old son from an attack.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A woman from Arizona lost her life last month after heroically protecting her son during a dog attack in California.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Emily Panuco, who was 26, suffered fatal injuries on February 27 while shielding her young son from multiple dogs.
Panuco, who lived in Parker, Arizona, had traveled to California to visit family and see some new puppies at their home. The puppies were kept in a cardboard box by the entrance, and nearby were three adult dogs, including the puppies’ mother.
“From statements gathered during the investigation, it was found that as the child went to pet the puppies, all three adult dogs attacked him,” stated the sheriff’s office in a press release. “Panuco stepped in to defend her son and was attacked by the dogs as well.”
Tragically, Panuco succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Her son, who sustained two “severe” bites, was hospitalized but later discharged, according to the sheriff’s office.
The three dogs, whose breeds were not released, were euthanized by animal control, the sheriff’s office said. An investigation into the death is ongoing.
Panuco’s family started an online fundraiser to support her husband and children.
“Her love for her own family was evident in everything she did, and her absence leaves a tremendous void,” the fundraiser said. “Please pray for Richie, his kids, and their entire family as they try to get through this heartbreaking time.”
No other information is known at this time.
