CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio. A 52-year-old woman died after she pushed a young boy out of the path of an oncoming car in a driveway, likely saving his life, according to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.
The agency released details of the fatal crash on February 27, 2026. At approximately 10:00 a.m. that day, the Pickaway County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle crash involving injury at 2611 Walnut Creek Pike in Circleville.
Deputies who arrived on scene located a 2025 white Nissan Sentra that had struck a tree on the south side of the property. They also found an injured woman lying nearby. Medics provided first aid and transported her from the scene.
Investigators determined the Nissan was traveling southbound on Walnut Creek Pike when it left the west side of the roadway near 2661 Walnut Creek Pike. The vehicle crossed through two yards before entering the driveway at 2611 Walnut Creek Pike. There, it struck a parked 2022 white Chevrolet Equinox, causing the parked vehicle to spin. At the same time, the Nissan struck the woman, pinning her between the two vehicles.
The sheriff’s office stated that just before impact, the woman moved the young boy, who had been playing in the driveway, to safety. That quick action kept him from being struck and more than likely saved his life.
The driver of the Nissan, 60-year-old John F. Hill of Circleville, was taken by Pickaway Township EMS to OhioHealth Berger Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol followed the ambulance to the hospital and continued the investigation there.
The young boy was transported by Circleville EMS to the same hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The woman was identified as 52-year-old Laura J. Hammond of Mt. Sterling. She was taken by Circleville EMS to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey thanked several agencies for their response and support at the scene: the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Circleville Fire and EMS, Pickaway Township Fire and EMS, Harrison Township Fire and EMS, Scioto Township Fire and EMS, and the Pickaway County Engineers Office.
The crash remains under investigation by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. No further details on the cause have been released.
