An Ohio community is reeling from the tragic loss of Alexa Stakely, a dedicated single mother and speech pathologist, who tragically lost her life while trying to protect her 6-year-old son during a daring carjacking attempt in the early hours of July 11.

Ohio mom Alexa Stakely, 29, had just finished her late-night shift as a waitress before picking up her son from a babysitter's home in Columbus, according to People.

After securing her son in the car, she quickly ran back into the babysitter's house to retrieve something she had forgotten.

Moments later, she saw her SUV starting to move backward. Realizing that someone was trying to steal her vehicle with her son inside, Stakely sprinted after it.

Tragically, in her desperate attempt to stop the car, she was struck and thrown from the moving vehicle, sustaining severe injuries that would later prove fatal.

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Community Shock and Mourning

Known affectionately as "Ms. Alexa," an Ohio mom to her students at the Canal Winchester School District,

Stakely was deeply admired for her passion for speech-language therapy and her unwavering dedication to her students, the New York Post reports.

The school district, in a heartfelt tribute on social media, described her as smart, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping children develop their communication skills.

Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing two male suspects believed to be involved in the carjacking incident.

Surveillance footage captured the perpetrators fleeing the scene after abandoning Stakely's vehicle at a neighboring apartment complex.

Fortunately, Stakely's son, who was found unharmed inside the abandoned SUV, was quickly reunited with family members.

Advocacy for Safety Measures

The tragic incident has drawn attention to a troubling national trend highlighted by Kids and Car Safety, which reports 56 similar incidents in 2024 where children were left unattended in stolen vehicles.

Amber Rollins, the organization's director, emphasized the critical importance of never leaving children alone in vehicles, even for short periods, and urged parents to always lock their vehicles and take the keys with them, Fox News noted.

Stakely, a graduate of Ohio State University with a master's degree in speech-language pathology, was known not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her determination to provide a better life for her son.

Her family and friends fondly remember her as someone who approached every challenge with optimism and a contagious enthusiasm for life.

The local community has rallied around Stakely's family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and support Stakely's young son as he copes with the loss of his devoted mother.

As the investigation into Ohio's mom's tragic death continues, the community remains united in mourning and in seeking justice for Alexa Stakely.

Her legacy of love, dedication, and bravery will continue to inspire those who knew her.

READ MORE: Tragic Death of Nebraska Boy Left Alone in Hot SUV Leads to Foster Mom's Arrest 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Woman dead after trying to stop carjacking, save son - From NBC4 Columbus