Young woman just months away from becoming first time mom is mowed down on Missouri highway

Published: 20:03, 7 June 2026 | Updated: 20:03, 7 June 2026 A pregnant woman just a few months away from giving birth was fatally struck by a car after exiting her vehicle while on a Missouri highway. Leah Hyde, 24, died on the westbound lanes of the James River Expressway on Tuesday in Springfield, according to officials. Hyde was five months pregnant with her unborn daughter, Lark Elizabeth, who did not survive the incident, according to a fundraiser.  The soon-to-be mother was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester down the highway when she struck a concrete median divider, according to Springfield police.  Hyde came to a stop in the far inside lane before she exited the driver's side of the vehicle, to inspect the damage to her car.  Officials said after she exited the car, she was hit by a 2017 Toyota Corolla, driven by 25-year-old Sheri Jones. The police noted that Jones tried to avoid Hyde's Subaru by moving to the left. Officials said Hyde died at the scene and are investigating the incident. Leah Hyde, 24, died on the westbound lanes of the James River Expressway on Tuesday in Springfield, Missouri (Pictured with her husband, Joshua Snodgrass) Hyde was five months pregnant with her unborn daughter, Lark Elizabeth, who did not survive the incident A GoFundMe set up to cover funeral expenses for the soon-to-be mother described her as 'the kind of person this world needs more of.' 'She had a heart that was always turned toward others — especially children. She dedicated her life to serving and caring for kids, showing up for them with a love that came naturally and completely,' reads the fundraiser. 'She was the best. Anyone who knew her will tell you the same.' At the Time of this report, the GoFundMe has raised more than $52,000, nearly reaching its $60,000 goal. According to Hyde's obituary, she earned her Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Ozarks Technical Community College. She devoted her career to working with elementary-aged children across the area. 'To know Leah was to know warmth. She was the kindest of souls — empathetic, giving, and full of light,' reads the obituary. The soon-to-be mother was driving a 2015 Subaru Forester down the highway and struck a concrete median divider, according to the Springfield Police Department Officials said she exited the car and was hit by a 2017 Toyota Corolla, driven by 25-year-old Sheri Jones. She died at the scene 'She loved a good book paired with a great cup of coffee, and found her happiest moments at home, wrapped in the comfort of the people and things she cherished. She was, in every sense, sunshine personified.' 'Leah leaves behind a hole in the world that only she could fill, and a light in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known her.' A visitation will be held on June 18 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.