A 52-year-old grandmother from Ohio, Laura J. Hammond, is being remembered as a hero after sacrificing her life to save her young grandson.
The accident happened on Feb. 27 in Circleville when a car drove off the road, passed through two yards, and crashed into a driveway where Hammond and her grandson were standing. In a split-second decision, she grabbed the child and threw him out of the car’s path, taking the impact herself.
The vehicle pinned her between two cars. She was rushed to the hospital but sadly died from her injuries. Her grandson survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities say the 60-year-old driver was distracted by his phone when the crash happened, and investigators are also checking for alcohol involvement.
Hammond, described by police as “an absolute hero,” leaves behind her husband, three children, and two grandchildren. Her family says being “Nana” was her greatest joy, and she will always be remembered for her courage and love.