Arizona mother dies protecting 5-year-old son from dog attack in California

An Arizona mother of two was mauled to death by three dogs in a horrific attack while she protected her son outside his mother’s home in Southern California.

Emily Panuco, 26, of Parker, Ariz., went to her mother’s Big River home with her 5-year-old son to visit a litter of puppies on Feb. 27, the Colorado River Sheriff’s Department said in a press release.

The week-old puppies, which belonged to Panuco’s mother, were in a cardboard box near the front door. Three adult dogs, including the mother of the litter, were also on the property.

As Panuco’s son approached the box to pet the puppies, police said the three adult dogs lunged at the young child.

Emily Panuco was mauled to death by three dogs while visiting her mother’s home in Big River, California, on February 27, 2026, according to the Colorado River Sheriff’s Department. (Emily Ann/Facebook)

Panuco then intervened and tried to protect her son from the attack, according to police.

Tragically, Panuco suffered numerous bites and was pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts.

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

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

The three adult dogs were then taken into custody by local animal control and 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,” reads a GoFundMe set up to cover funeral expenses and family living expenses. “Her love for her own family was evident in everything she did, and their absence leaves a huge void.”

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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.

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

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