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A young woman who died trying to save her beloved dog is remembered today in her home state of Virginia and beyond.

Katie Mason, 28, was driving her Toyota Camry on I-95 South when her car ran off the road, striking a guard rail. When she opened her car door, her small, black pug, Stella, ran from the vehicle and into the high-speed traffic. Mason gave chase.

Both were struck and killed by a Honda Civic, the driver of which, say Virginia State Police, was unable to swerve to avoid them. Both Mason and Stella died at the scene.

Mason was a member of the Virginia National Guard who spent time at Virginia Commonwealth University. She lived with her dog and parents in Aquia.

“Katie was always kind, sweet and had a huge personality,” a family friend told News4. “It’s so heartbreaking.”

Fellow service members shared their grief on social media.

“It’s a sad day for the 266th MP family. Rest in peace Katie Mason,” one wrote on Facebook.