A grandmother from Ohio is being honored as a hero after giving her life to protect her young grandson. Laura J. Hammond, 52, from Mount Sterling, Ohio, tragically lost her life while saving her grandson from an oncoming car.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 10 a.m. on February 27 in Circleville, when authorities received a 911 call about a vehicle that had gone off the road on Walnut Creek Pike, as reported by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a crashed 2025 Nissan Sentra that had collided with a tree. Nearby, they found a woman on the ground suffering from serious injuries. She was later identified as Laura J. Hammond, 52, from Mount Sterling.
According to investigators, the car veered off the road and traveled through two yards before reaching a driveway where Hammond and a child were present. The vehicle struck a parked 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, pinning Hammond between the two cars.
Just moments before the impact, Hammond made a quick decision that likely saved her grandson’s life. Authorities stated that she moved the child out of the vehicle’s path just in time.
“Laura actually picked up the child and tossed him,” said Capt. John Strawser of the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office in an interview with CBS affiliate WBNS. “She took the brunt of the vehicle” after ensuring the boy was safe.
Grandma hailed as a “hero” after sacrificing her life to save her grandson from an approaching car.
Hammond received first aid at the scene before being quickly transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries. Her grandson was taken to OhioHealth Berger Hospital with injuries that, fortunately, were not life-threatening.
Authorities report that the driver, a 60-year-old man, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries. According to a report, he was “distracted by his phone” when the vehicle veered off the road.
Police discovered a beer can at the scene, and investigators have secured a warrant to test the driver’s blood for potential alcohol or drug involvement. In the meantime, Hammond is being honored for her remarkable courage.
Capt. John Strawser referred to her as “an absolute hero.”
“She put her life on the line, and this incident cost her life, to protect her grandson,” he stated.
Hammond leaves behind her husband, three children, and two grandchildren — along with a family that will always cherish the ultimate sacrifice she made to save the little boy she adored.
Laura’s family has set up a GoFundMe to assist them during this incredibly challenging time.
“Deeply devoted to her family”
“On February 27, our lives changed forever. Laura ‘Nana’ tragically lost her life in an accident while heroically saving her grandson. In that moment, she exemplified the courage and selflessness that characterized her existence,” the description states.
“Laura was profoundly committed to her family. Being ‘Nana’ brought her the greatest happiness, and her grandchildren were her everything. She loved wholeheartedly and was always there for those she cherished without a second thought. She was the kind of friend, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, and wife that many aspire to emulate.”
It concluded, “As the Hammond, Callicott, and Justice families cope with this sudden loss, we are seeking support to help alleviate the unexpected financial strain and provide them the space to mourn.”
Rest in peace, Laura. You are indeed a hero. Please share this article to pay tribute to her.
