Heroic Grandmother Shields Granddaughter from Devastating Hit-and-Run Crash

In a heartbreaking incident, a Massachusetts grandmother was hospitalized with severe injuries after a hit-and-run accident, but her selfless actions saved her 7-year-old granddaughter from harm. The story of Louise Ward's bravery and the ongoing search for the driver who fled the scene has captivated the community and sparked a call for justice.

A Grandmother's Courageous Act Saves Her Granddaughter's Life

Tragedy Strikes on a Routine Evening Stroll

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday night, 69-year-old Louise Ward was out for a walk with her 7-year-old granddaughter, Riley, and their family dog. As they crossed the street in a marked crosswalk in Stoneham, Massachusetts, a small silver SUV suddenly struck Ward, leaving her with a devastating array of injuries. Eyewitness accounts and video footage reveal that in the split-second before impact, Ward pushed Riley out of harm's way, shielding her from the oncoming vehicle.

A Harrowing Aftermath and a Desperate Search for the Driver

The driver of the SUV, who was likely speeding at the time of the crash, fled the scene, leaving Riley screaming for help. Passersby quickly came to the young girl's aid, but the damage had already been done. Louise Ward was rushed to the hospital, where she remains in the intensive care unit, fighting for her life. Her injuries are extensive, including fractures to her hip, pelvis, wrist, humerus, neck, and back, as well as brain bleeds.

A Granddaughter's Gratitude and a Family's Plea for Justice

Riley Ward, the 7-year-old survivor, vividly recounts the terrifying moments of the incident. "Good thing I didn't get hit, but my nana did," she said. "She pushed me, so I could get back to where the cars couldn't hit me, back on the path." The young girl's words are a testament to her grandmother's unwavering love and bravery.Louise Ward's daughter, Erin Dirks, has expressed her outrage and heartbreak over the hit-and-run. "She's out for a night walk with her granddaughter and their dog, and someone just runs them down in the sidewalk and doesn't care," Dirks said. The family is now pleading for the driver to come forward and take responsibility for their actions.

A Community Rallies in Support and a Call for Change

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Stoneham community, with residents and local authorities alike determined to find the driver responsible and ensure that justice is served. The Stoneham Police Department has launched a full investigation, urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run to come forward.Beyond the search for the culprit, the tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about pedestrian safety and the need for stricter measures to protect vulnerable road users. Advocates are calling for enhanced crosswalk visibility, traffic-calming measures, and harsher penalties for hit-and-run drivers, all in the hope of preventing similar heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future.As Louise Ward continues her long and arduous recovery, her family and the community remain steadfast in their support and determination to see the person responsible for this senseless act brought to justice. The story of her selfless act and the ongoing search for the hit-and-run driver has become a rallying cry for change, reminding us all of the importance of looking out for one another and the need to prioritize safety on our roads.