Maha Christopher
A 24 year old pregnant woman and her unborn daughter have died after she was struck by a vehicle while exiting her car on a highway in Missouri, United States.
According to People, Leah Hyde was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester westbound on the James River Expressway near Campbell on June 2 when her vehicle struck a concrete median and came to a stop in the inside lane.
Police said Hyde got out of her vehicle after the crash and was standing near the driver’s side when she was hit by a 2017 Toyota Corolla driven by 25 year old Sheri Jones, who was reportedly attempting to avoid the disabled vehicle.
Hyde died from injuries sustained in the collision, while her family was later notified by authorities.
The Springfield Police Department said the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.
According to a GoFundMe page created by a family friend, Hyde was five months pregnant with a baby girl named Lark Elizabeth.
“Leah was the kind of person this world needs more of,” family friend Bernadette Shively wrote.
“She had a heart that was always turned toward others, especially children. She dedicated her life to serving and caring for kids.”
A graduate of Marshfield Schools, Hyde worked as an occupational therapist and was widely remembered by family, friends and colleagues for her compassion and dedication to helping children.
“To know Leah was to know warmth. She was the kindest of souls, empathetic, giving, and full of light,” her obituary stated.
Hyde is survived by her husband, Joshua Snodgrass, while members of her community have rallied around the family following the tragedy.
A visitation and celebration of her life is scheduled to be held on June 18 in Springfield, Missouri.
