In a tragic incident in Columbus, Ohio, a 29-year-old single mother lost her life while attempting to prevent the theft of her car with her 6-year-old son inside. Alexa Stakely, a speech-language pathologist for the Canal Winchester Local Schools district, had just finished her shift as a waitress and arrived at an apartment complex around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday to pick up her son from a babysitter.

According to Columbus police, Stakely had momentarily left her car running as she brought her sleeping son to the vehicle. However, as she returned to her car after retrieving the child's belongings from the babysitter's unit, she noticed someone trying to back the car out onto the roadway. Reacting swiftly, Stakely ran towards the car, yelling for her son and pleading with the driver to stop.

Tragically, Stakely was struck by the car and knocked to the ground, sustaining a fatal head injury. She was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The two perpetrators responsible for the car theft fled the scene, leaving the stolen vehicle a short distance away. The men escaped by jumping a fence and seeking refuge in a neighboring apartment complex. As of Friday, the suspects remain at large.

Columbus police have revealed that surveillance footage captured a group of men inspecting apartments in another nearby complex earlier that morning. These individuals matched the description of the men seen fleeing past Stakely after the incident. Authorities are actively investigating the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The loss of Alexa Stakely has left the community devastated, mourning the untimely death of a dedicated mother and professional. Canal Winchester Local Schools and the broader community are reeling from the tragedy, as Stakely was not only a respected speech-language pathologist but also worked diligently as a waitress to support her family.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with car thefts and the potentially dire consequences that can occur. It highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and prevention efforts to ensure the safety of individuals and their loved ones. Authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and offer condolences to the family and friends of Alexa Stakely during this heartbreaking time.