Pregnant mother holding two-year-old son kills self by walking in front of tractor-trailer, child miraculously survives
The woman, identified as Heidi McGovern, reportedly stepped in front of an Irving Oil tanker truck on Interstate 95 in Maine while she was holding her two-year-old.
A 26-year-old pregnant mother died earlier this month after she walked right into the traffic holding her two-year-old son in Maine. Although the mother succumbed to her injuries, the two-year-old miraculously survived, according to reports.
The woman, identified as Heidi McGovern, reportedly stepped in front of an Irving Oil tanker truck on Interstate 95 in Maine at around 4:30 pm on October 4. Reports state that she was holding her toddler Enoch when the incident occurred. Enoch was thrown from her arms at the impact with the vehicle, however, the mother died instantly.
'I cannot understand this tragedy:' Husband of Heidi McGovern on losing wife, injuring son https://t.co/gA2GZUHOfR pic.twitter.com/c65rIzqGKj
— NBC Charlotte (@wcnc) October 12, 2018
The toddler reportedly landed in the passing lane of the highway and was soon rushed to Eastern Maine Medical Center, according to the Press Herald. The child was treated for serious injuries and is reportedly in a critical condition. The mother's family, while talking to News Center Maine, said that Enoch's health is gradually improving: "Watching him heal is healing our hearts too."
Reports state that Maine State Police found suicide notes at Heidi's home, and according to her obituary, the mother-of-two was also pregnant. It is not yet clear how far along she was.
Praying for Enoch McGovern! Please pray for the funeral services of Heidi McGovern tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/YjiH3PJd0U
— Kerry Nance (@KerryNance) October 12, 2018
Heidi's husband, Daniel McGovern, while talking to the television network said: "She was the sweetest person. That's what most people would say. Just the nicest, sweetest person you ever met." Daniel said that their son Enoch is the spitting image of the mother, whereas their 10-month-old son, Ethan, takes after him.
The mother's family said that Heidi was depressed and feared that since she and her son Enoch were so similar, he would also have the same struggles in life as she did. Therefore, she chose to take him along with her that evening when the tragic incident occurred. Heidi's family also added that her depression took control and ultimately caused her to take her life.
The family of Heidi McGovern speaks exclusively with me about their personal tragedy, the loss of Heidi, and her son Enoch's condition. It's a story you won't want to miss, and it's airing live at 11 p.m. on @newscentermaine pic.twitter.com/unkA961qBU
— Samantha Sugerman (@SugerMAINENEWS) October 10, 2018
"She was convinced, I mean, definitely we believe wrongly so, but she was convinced she was doing what was the right thing," Daniel said. The family has said that they would be interested in meeting the truck driver — identified as 59-year-old Kenneth Gray — who was involved in the crash one day, according to reports.
