A grandmother in Ohio is being remembered as a hero after sacrificing her life to save her young grandson. 52-year-old Laura J. Hammond of Mount Sterling, Ohio, died after saving her grandson from being hit by a car.

The tragic accident happened around 10 a.m. on Feb. 27 in Circleville, when authorities received a 911 call about a vehicle that had veered off the road on Walnut Creek Pike, the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

When deputies arrived, they found a crashed 2025 Nissan Sentra that had slammed into a tree. Nearby, a woman was lying on the ground with severe injuries. Officials later identified her as Laura J. Hammond, 52, from Mount Sterling.

Investigators say the car drove off the road and through two yards before reaching a driveway where Hammond and a child were outside. The vehicle struck a parked 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and hit Hammond, pinning her between the two cars.

Just seconds before the crash, Hammond made a split-second decision that likely saved a life. According to authorities, she moved her grandson — the child — out of the way of the vehicle.

“Laura actually picked up the child and tossed him,” Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office Capt. John Strawser told CBS affiliate WBNS. “She took the brunt of the vehicle” after throwing the boy to safety.

Grandma branded “hero” as she sacrifices her life to save grandson from an oncoming car

Hammond was given first aid at the scene before being rushed to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. Sadly, she died from her injuries. Her grandson was taken to OhioHealth Berger Hospital with injuries that, luckily, weren’t life-threatening.

Authorities say the driver, a 60-year-old man, also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A report states he was “distracted by his phone” when the car left the road.

Police also found a beer can at the scene, and investigators have obtained a warrant to test the driver’s blood to see if alcohol or drugs were involved. Meanwhile, Hammond is being remembered for her incredible bravery.

Capt. John Strawser called her “an absolute hero.”

“She risked her life, and this situation took her life, to save her grandson’s,” he said.

Hammond leaves behind her husband, three children, and two grandchildren — and a family who will forever remember the ultimate sacrifice she made to save the little boy she loved.

A GoFundMe has been created by Laura’s family to help them through this very difficult time.

“Deeply devoted to her family”

“On February 27, our lives changed forever. Laura “Nana” tragically passed away in an accident while saving her grandson’s life. In that moment, she showed the same courage and selflessness that defined her life,” the description reads.

“Laura was deeply devoted to her family. Being “Nana” was her greatest joy, and her grandchildren meant everything to her. She loved generously and showed up for those she cared about without hesitation. She was the kind of friend, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother and wife that others aspire to be.”

It concluded, “As the Hammond, Callicott and Justice families navigate this sudden loss, we are asking for support to help ease the unexpected financial burden and give them the space to grieve.”