Grandmother Shielded Grandson in Ames Truck Collision
A woman suffered serious injuries after protecting her two-year-old grandson from an oncoming tractor-trailer in Ames.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Accidents
Shelli Hebert sustained severe injuries while shielding her toddler grandson, Kylen Hebert, from a tractor-trailer collision on September 28, 2026. The two-year-old had run into the road on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, leading to a harrowing encounter with a 2025 Kenworth tractor-trailer.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers posed when pedestrians enter roadways unexpectedly, prompting emergency medical intervention and complex surgical care for the victims. Both individuals remain in the long-term recovery process following the accident.
Shelli Hebert has undergone 6 surgeries, with at least one additional procedure and skin grafting scheduled. Kylen Hebert is slated for transfer to Texas Children's Hospital for continued rehabilitation.
The players
Shelli Hebert
Shelli Hebert is the grandmother who sustained serious injuries after shielding her grandson from an oncoming vehicle.
Kylen Hebert
Kylen Hebert is a two-year-old boy who was involved in a tractor-trailer collision and requires continued rehabilitation.
The details
Shelli Hebert positioned her body between her grandson and the oncoming truck after the toddler ran onto the road while playing a game. The driver of the 2025 Kenworth tractor-trailer pulling a 2020 tanker performed evasive maneuvers to avoid a direct impact, though the truck tires ran over the grandmother.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The vehicle accident occurred in Ames.
October 8, 2026: The family shared a recovery update.
Legal Context
This incident highlights the severe risks associated with pedestrian-vehicle interactions on public roadways, similar to patterns tracked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Such cases often lead to complex legal and insurance investigations regarding driver reaction and roadway safety.
Residents should remain vigilant when walking near high-traffic roads like Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, particularly when supervising young children. Local safety advisories emphasize the importance of maintaining direct physical supervision to prevent tragic roadway encounters.
The takeaway
Maintaining close physical contact with children in proximity to busy roads remains the most effective defense against accidental vehicle collisions. Families should always prioritize pedestrian safety by identifying secure play areas far removed from active traffic routes.
Further reading
For more information on safety incidents in the region, visit the Ames section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bluebonnet News.
