Grandma Dies After Heroically Saving Grandson from Out-of-Control Car

A heartbreaking crash in Ohio has left a family mourning after a grandmother died while saving her young grandson from an out-of-control vehicle.

Authorities say 52-year-old Laura J. Hammond of Mt. Sterling was killed after pushing her grandson out of the path of a car that suddenly veered off the road and into a driveway where the child was playing.

The terrifying incident happened around 10 a.m. on Feb. 27 along Walnut Creek Pike in Circleville, according to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a crash, and when deputies arrived they found a 2025 Nissan Sentra that had crashed into a tree on the property. Nearby, they discovered Hammond severely injured on the ground.

Investigators later determined the car had been traveling south on Walnut Creek Pike when it suddenly left the roadway. The vehicle drove through two yards before reaching a driveway on the property.

The Nissan then slammed into a parked 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, causing it to spin. During the crash, Hammond was pinned between the two vehicles.

Authorities say Hammond had just moments to react before the vehicle came toward the driveway where her grandson was playing.

Deputies learned she quickly grabbed the boy and threw him out of harm’s way.

“Laura actually picked up the child and tossed him,” Pickaway County Sheriff’s Captain John Strawser told local station WBNS. “She took the brunt of the vehicle.”

Officials believe her quick action likely saved the child’s life.

Hammond was given first aid at the scene before being rushed to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. Despite doctors’ efforts, she later died from her injuries.

“She risked her life, and this situation took her life, to save her grandson’s,” Strawser said. “She’s an absolute hero.”

The child was taken to OhioHealth Berger Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Hammond leaves behind her husband, three children, and two grandchildren.

Following the tragedy, friends and community members quickly rallied around the family. A meal train has already raised more than $3,200 to help support them, and a GoFundMe campaign has also been launched.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Nissan, identified as 60-year-old John F. Hill of Circleville, was also taken to OhioHealth Berger Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to a crash report, Hill was reportedly distracted by his phone when the vehicle left the road.

Investigators also discovered a beer can near a ditch on the property after the crash, which was collected as evidence.

Authorities have obtained a warrant for Hill’s blood as they work to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation, which remains ongoing.