A father of three has died after bravely stepping in to stop a woman from being attacked in Hillsboro, Ohio. Billy Grooms, 49, was at a gas station with his son on the early morning of May 31 when he witnessed a young woman being assaulted.
According to reports, Grooms tried to intervene as the assailant attacked the woman. Tragically, the suspect, 22-year-old Javen Meadows, then ran over Grooms with his truck. The father suffered multiple broken bones and a severe brain injury and was taken off life support on June 4.
A Tragic Act of Courage
Grooms’ wife, Amy, described the family’s struggle to hold onto hope in the days following the incident. “We were trying for hope… but then within days, he was declining,” she told local media.
Court records allege that Meadows first collided with another vehicle at the gas station before attacking the woman. He reportedly strangled her, threw her to the ground, and took her phone. When Grooms tried to stop him, Meadows ran him over. Meadows has been charged with assault and strangulation in connection with the woman’s attack. Authorities say additional charges may be filed, though he has not yet been charged in connection with Grooms’ death.
Remembered as a Hero
The woman who was attacked called Grooms a hero. “I believe his actions saved my life. I’ll carry that gratitude with me forever,” she said. Grooms’ courage not only saved a life that night, but his own organs will now be donated to help others.
Angela Osborn, Grooms’ sister-in-law, reflected on his selflessness. “We’re still trying to wrap our minds around the fact that his life is gone for saving a young girl,” she said. “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.”
A GoFundMe set up to support the family has raised more than $30,000, reflecting the community’s appreciation for Grooms’ bravery. His family and friends remember him not only for his heroism, but for a life devoted to protecting and caring for others.
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