Money Being Raised For Local Mother Killed Protecting 6 Children

The family of a pregnant Hudson Valley mother who was killed protecting her six young children during an alleged road rage incident could use your help.

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Melissa DeLoatch, 32, was killed on Wednesday when 35-year-old Jason Mendez of Washingtonville allegedly plowed his car into DeLoatch and seven family members.

Moments before, Mendez got into an argument with the family, police say. He then allegedly got into his car, which was parked a 7-Eleven in Rockland County, hit all eight members of the family with his car, put the car in reverse and drove over the family members a second time.

CBS reports the father of the family asked Mendez to not blow smoke in his children's faces.

DeLoatch is being called a hero for jumping in front of the car and taking the brunt of the car's impact, saving her children's lives.

Six children ranging in age from infant to 10 years, as well as DeLoatch's 35-year-old husband, were injured, according to a GoFundMe.

A GoFundMe was set up to help the family bury DeLoatch and help take care of her six children.

"Any donation is truly appreciated. All funds will go towards her burial and the care of her children. Three children are still hospitalized and the other 3 will need to see other doctors," Adrienne Rodriguez wrote on the GoFundMe.

As of this writing, over $50,000 has been raised.

Mendez was charged with murder and seven counts of attempted murder.