Tragic Freeway Death
Pregnant Missouri Woman, 24, Dies in Freeway Crash After Exiting Vehicle
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Leah Hyde, a 24-year-old occupational therapist from Willard, Missouri, was struck and killed on the James River Freeway on June 2, 2026, after stepping out of her disabled car. She was 23 weeks and 4 days pregnant. Her unborn daughter, Lark Elizabeth, also died at the scene. Springfield Police Department identified the crash as Springfield's 8th fatal vehicle accident of the year, bringing the city's 2026 death toll to nine.
The crash happened at 1:23 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Campbell Avenue. Hyde's 2015 Subaru Forester had struck a concrete median and stopped in the far inside lane. After she got out on the driver's side, a westbound 2017 Toyota Corolla driven by Sheri Jones, 25, hit her. Jones reportedly tried to steer around the stopped Subaru before the collision, Springfield Police Department said.
A Community Mourns Two Lives Lost at Once
Friends and family remembered Hyde as someone who made everyone around her feel important. She worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Second Mile School, helping elementary-aged children discover their strengths. Colleagues described her work not just as a career but as a calling, according to WAFF.
Hyde graduated from Marshfield High School in 2020 and later earned her degree from Ozarks Technical Community College. Her unborn daughter, Lark Elizabeth, was the child of Leah and her husband, Joshua Snodgrass. The family has scheduled a visitation and Celebration of Life for June 18 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, WBTV reported.
Community Raises $48,000 in Under 48 Hours
After news of Hyde's death spread, the Willard and Marshfield communities moved quickly to help. A GoFundMe organized by family friend Bernadette Shively raised $48,678 in less than 48 hours. More than 500 donors contributed to the campaign, WNDU reported.
"It was a baby girl," the fundraiser noted, referencing the name Lark Elizabeth. The outpouring of support reflected how deeply Hyde had touched those around her. Her radiant smile and compassionate heart were cited repeatedly in tributes, according to WMBF News.
Missouri Pedestrian Deaths Hit Record High in 2024
Hyde's death fits a troubling pattern on Missouri roads. The state recorded 148 pedestrian fatalities in 2024 — a 16% jump from the year before — even as overall road deaths slightly fell, according to MoDOT. Many of those killed were not pedestrians by choice. They had stepped out of disabled vehicles on busy highways.
Police and safety experts have urged drivers who break down on a freeway to stay inside their car with their seatbelt on until help arrives, KY3 reported. The James River Freeway is a high-speed corridor with limited shoulder space in some sections, making it especially dangerous for anyone outside a vehicle.
Crash Fuels Push to Expand Missouri's Move Over Law
Missouri's current Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes for emergency vehicles, MoDOT trucks, and utility vehicles with flashing lights. But standard disabled personal cars are not always covered by the same rules. Traffic safety advocates say that gap leaves people like Hyde vulnerable, WIBW reported.
States like Wisconsin have already passed broader laws requiring drivers to slow down or move over for any disabled vehicle. Advocates are pushing Missouri to follow. The Springfield Police Department is still investigating the crash under case number 26-15367. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS, Fox 8 reported.
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