Arizona Mother Killed in California Dog Attack While Shielding Her 5-Year-Old Son

Police in California are investigating the death of a young Arizona mother after she was tragically killed in a dog attack while protecting her 5-year-old son, Us Weekly has learned.

Emily Panuco sustained several severe injuries in the February 27 attack that unfolded inside her mother’s home in Big River, California. She was just 26.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that Panuco sustained bite wounds that ultimately proved fatal.

Panuco was visiting California to see some new puppies at her mother’s residence. Authorities say Panuco’s mother was not home at the time of the attack.

The young boy got too close to the puppies, prompting the three adult dogs — including the mother of the puppies — to move aggressively towards the child.

Panuco got between her son, Jesse, and the dogs to protect him, police said. She was later declared dead at the scene, according to investigators. Her son was taken to a hospital for treatment after he suffered two severe bite wounds in the incident. The three dogs involved in the attack were euthanized by animal control, the sheriff’s office said.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Panuco’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign for her husband and their children, including a 7-month-old daughter, Rosmé.

“The shock and pain of this event have left the family reeling, and they are in need of support from their community,” reads the GoFundMe. “The funds raised will go directly toward covering Emily’s funeral costs, providing daily necessities like food, and ensuring Richie and his children have access to therapy and resources to help them grieve and heal.”

The statement continued, “Emily was a devoted mother who worked at the CRITT library, where she 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.”

The fundraiser asks that people “pray for Richie, his kids, and their entire family as they try to get through this heartbreaking time. Your generosity will help Richie grieve the loss of his amazing wife and support his children with the essentials they need. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for this family as they begin to rebuild their lives.”

The fundraising effort has generated over $36,000 in donations at the time of publication.

It was unclear if criminal charges were being considered in connection to the fatal incident. Us reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment but did not hear back at the time of publication.

Richie, 31, told the California Post his wife is a hero.

“She was a great person. A great role model, not only for her family, but I believe for the community,” he said. “She was supportive of everyone’s dreams. Always full of joy. She did a great job at being very joyful.”

Emily, he said, was also the legal guardian of her 16-year-old sister, Saralynn.

One of the dogs involved in the fatal mauling had been previously abandoned by a neighbor, so Emily’s mother took it in, according to the Post.

There was also a Heeler mix named “Dipstick” and another mutt, her family told the Post.