California police officer, 22, shot dead after serving just two weeks on force

A 22-year-old California police officer who had only been on the force for two weeks was tragically killed on Thursday evening.

Natalie Corona, described as a "rising star" with the Davis Police Department, was shot dead while responding to the scene of a three-car accident off Interstate-80 outside of Sacramento, according to local CBS affiliate KOVR.

Nearby firefighters attempted to save the young officer, who was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center where she later died of her injuries.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was found dead inside of a nearby home from what police say appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Corona, who followed in the footsteps of her father to become an officer, graduated from the police academy in July and was sworn in as an officer two weeks ago.

"Natalie was just full of life and full of energy and just an absolute pleasure to be around," said Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel. "She loved being around everybody in the department."

"I've heard her described by our officers tonight as our daughter, our friend, and just a sister that we all wanted," he added. "This is just an absolutely devastating loss to the police department."

In October 2016, two years before she would be killed in the line of duty, Corona took to Facebook to share an image of herself holding up a "thin blue line" flag, a symbol used by law enforcement to commemorate fallen officers, along with a message of thanks for cops around the country.

"I would like this photograph to serve as my gratitude for all those law enforcement men and women who have served, who are currently serving, and those who have died in the line of duty protecting our liberties in this great country," she captioned the photo.