An Ohio father of three has died after authorities say he was run over while trying to protect a woman who was being assaulted at a gas station.
Billy Grooms, 49, was at a Hillsboro gas station with his son on Sunday, May 31, when they allegedly saw a young woman being attacked.
According to reports, Grooms stepped in after seeing the woman being strangled. Moments later, the suspected attacker allegedly ran him over with a truck.
Grooms was rushed to the hospital with multiple broken bones and a severe brain injury. His family said they held onto hope, but his condition quickly worsened.
“We were trying for hope,” his wife, Amy, told FOX19. “If we could try to intervene to stop the swelling, but then within days, he was declining.”
Grooms was taken off life support on Thursday, June 4.
The suspect, 22-year-old Javen Meadows, has been charged with strangulation and assault in connection with the attack on the woman, according to reports citing court records.
Authorities allege Meadows hit another truck while parking his Ford F-150 at the gas station shortly after 2:30 a.m. He then allegedly went over to the truck, grabbed a woman by the neck, threw her to the ground and kicked her.
When the woman stood up, Meadows allegedly took her phone and punched her to the ground before returning to his vehicle. He then allegedly ran over Grooms, who had stepped in to help.
Court records reportedly state that Meadows had followed his ex-girlfriend to the gas station. It was not immediately clear whether the woman he allegedly attacked was his ex-girlfriend.
Meadows has not yet been charged in connection with Grooms’ death, but Hillsboro police said additional charges are pending, according to FOX19.
The woman who was attacked has called Grooms a hero for trying to save her.
“I believe his actions saved my life. I’ll carry that gratitude with me forever,” she told the outlet.
Grooms’ family said they are still trying to process the heartbreaking loss.
“We’re still trying to wrap our minds around the fact that his life is gone for saving a young girl who was being strangled,” Angela Osborn, Grooms’ sister-in-law, told FOX19.
His loved ones said Grooms spent his life helping others, and even in death, he will continue to do so. His organs are set to be donated.
“He has just been that person to save as many people as he can — and he’s going to continue to by these organ donations,” Osborn said.
A GoFundMe created to support Grooms’ family has raised more than $30,000.
Never step in to help a Tawanda when a Willie is bit-h slappin her.
It’s a waste of time and sadly too often becomes an end of your life. All for nothing.