A tragic incident in Circleville, Ohio, resulted in the death of a grandmother who heroically saved her grandson from an oncoming vehicle. Laura J. Hammond, 52, from Mt. Sterling, met with this unfortunate fate on 27 February while her grandson was playing in the driveway of their property.
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The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office reported that the emergency services received a 911 call at around 10 a.m. regarding a crash that had occurred on Walnut Creek Pike. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a Nissan Sentra crashed into a tree along the south side of a residence, with an injured woman found lying nearby.
An investigation into the incident revealed that the Nissan was travelling southbound when it veered off the roadway. It traversed through two properties before reaching the driveway where Laura was situated with her grandson. In a devastating turn of events, the vehicle collided with a parked Chevrolet Equinox, causing it to rotate and strike Laura, pinning her between the two vehicles.
Sheriff’s Captain John Strawser provided further insights, indicating that Laura acted swiftly to shield her grandson from danger. She picked him up and threw him to safety just moments before the vehicle struck. This selfless action is believed to have saved the child’s life.
Unfortunately, Laura sustained critical injuries in the process and was administered first aid at the scene before being transported to Ohio Health Grant Medical Center. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. Laura is remembered not only as a hero but also leaves behind her husband, three children, and two grandchildren.
The child she saved sustained only non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Ohio Health Berger Hospital for treatment. Captain Strawser lauded Laura as “an absolute hero,” emphasising the enormous risk she took for the sake of her grandson’s safety.
The driver of the Nissan, identified as 60-year-old John F. Hill of Circleville, was also injured but survived the crash. He too was taken to Ohio Health Berger Hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were reported as non-life-threatening.
Authorities have indicated that the driver was distracted while using his mobile phone at the time of the crash, according to a crash report. Additionally, a beer can was found near the crash site, prompting the police to collect it for evidence. Investigators have obtained a search warrant for Hill’s blood in an effort to establish whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the collision.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. As the community mourns the loss of Laura Hammond, fundraising efforts have begun to support her family during this difficult time. A “meal train” has raised over £3,200, and a GoFundMe campaign has also been initiated to provide further assistance.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which a family member will go to protect their loved ones. Laura J. Hammond’s heroic actions resonate profoundly, showcasing the extraordinary bond between a grandparent and grandchild.