A tragic incident on the James River Expressway in Missouri led to the untimely death of 24-year-old Leah Hyde, who was struck by a vehicle while exiting her car. This distressing event occurred on June 2, in the vicinity of Campbell, around 1:23 p.m., when Hyde’s vehicle, a 2015 Subaru Forester, collided with a concrete median divider, coming to a halt in the far inside lane.
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According to the Springfield Police Department (SPD), shortly after parking her car, Hyde exited from the driver’s side just as a westbound 2017 Toyota Corolla, driven by 25-year-old Sheri Jones, approached. Jones reportedly attempted to navigate around Hyde’s stopped vehicle when the collision occurred. Tragically, Hyde sustained fatal injuries from the impact. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
Following the heartbreaking news, Hyde’s family took time to honour not only her memory but also that of her unborn daughter, Lark Elizabeth, who was five months in utero and “already so deeply loved,” as highlighted in a GoFundMe campaign set up by a family friend. The loss has resonated deeply within the community, with many expressing their sorrow at this devastating event.
Hyde, who graduated from Marshfield Schools in 2020, had built a reputation as an exceptionally caring individual, particularly known for her dedication as an occupational therapist working with children in local school districts. Valerie Willis, a long-time family friend, commented on Hyde’s devoted nature, noting, “I think about her caring soul and how she cared about the children and wanted them to be the best humans that they could be as adults.”
Her obituary described her as “the kindest of souls — empathetic, giving, and full of light,” a sentiment echoed by those who knew her. Friends and loved ones shared that Hyde had a passion for reading and enjoyed spending her time in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those she cherished. She was remembered not just for her professional dedication, but for her warmth and genuine compassion for others.
In the wake of the tragedy, support for Hyde’s husband, Joshua Snodgrass, and the rest of her family has poured in from the community. Bernadette Shively, a friend who contributed to the GoFundMe, reflected on Hyde’s generous spirit, stating, “She was the kind of person this world needs more of. She had a heart that was always turned toward others — especially children.”
Hyde’s unexpected passing has created a significant void in the lives of those who knew her. Her obituary poignantly notes, “Leah leaves behind a hole in the world that only she could fill, and a light in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known her.”
A visitation and celebration of Hyde’s life is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield. As the community comes together to remember Leah Hyde, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on those around them.