An Ohio mother tragically lost her life while attempting to save her young son from a carjacker in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Alexa Stakely, 29, died in a desperate effort to rescue her 6-year-old son from car thieves, who sped off with the child still in the car seat, as Fox News reports.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. at 6300 Blue Knoll Drive in Canal Winchester. Alexa Stakely was picking up her son from his babysitter's residence and had briefly gone back inside to fetch some belongings. Upon returning, she was horrified to see a stranger in the driver’s seat of her 2022 Honda SUV.
Determined to save her son, Stakely jumped onto the hood of the vehicle in an attempt to stop the carjacker. The thief, undeterred, accelerated rapidly, causing her to be violently thrown onto the pavement. She sustained a serious head injury, leading to her untimely death.
Authorities are currently searching for two male suspects who are believed to be involved in the incident. The pair purportedly abandoned the stolen vehicle up the street, escaping by scaling a fence into a nearby apartment complex.
Despite the harrowing ordeal, Stakely’s son was later found unharmed inside the abandoned car. However, the trauma of losing his mother in such a violent manner will have lasting repercussions.
Alexa Stakely held a master’s degree from Ohio State University and worked as a speech-language therapist at a local elementary school. She was a single mother and also held a second job as a waitress to support her son. The local community remembers her as a dedicated mother and passionate professional.
School officials expressed their sorrow, stating, "She was a great mom who was incredibly dedicated to her son. Ms. Stakely made a difference in the lives of the students and families she worked with and will be missed by so many in our community and beyond."
Stakely’s death underscores a troubling pattern of vehicles being stolen with children inside. Kids and Car Safety has reported 56 such incidents in 2024 alone. This statistic highlights the growing need for awareness and preventive measures to protect children and their guardians.
According to Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety, car thieves often target vehicles left running or unattended with the keys inside, generally without realizing that a child is inside. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in such situations.
Rollins advises, "If a business doesn't offer curbside delivery, call upon arrival and ask them to bring your order to your car. Most people are more than happy to accommodate you when you tell them you have small children. It takes a village." This approach can significantly mitigate the risks faced by parents and their children.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the suspects or with relevant security footage to come forward. The urgent need to apprehend those responsible is critical in preventing further tragedies. The police are committed to bringing justice to Alexa Stakely and her family. The community remains resilient, rallying together to support Stakely’s son and honor her memory.
In summary, Alexa Stakely's heroic yet tragic attempt to save her son from carjackers has left a community in mourning. Her death emphasizes the dangers of leaving vehicles unattended, even briefly, and highlights the importance of vigilance and communal support to ensure the safety of children.
