Brave mum dies after using own body as shield to save twin boys during car crash

A brave mum has died after using her own body has a shield to save her twin sons during a car crash.

Selfless Hillarie Galazka sacrificed her own life to block the impact of the horror smash to protect her young sons.

The 29-year-old died throwing herself in front of her children Hunter and Owen, both five, who were left with minor injuries.

The quick thinking mum was forced into the heroic act after driving back to her home in Lincoln Park, Michigan on March 1 when her car was rear-ended on an interstate entrance.

Children Hunter and Owen, both five, were left with minor injuries (The Mirror)

The driver who hit Hillarie's car was speeding and fled the scene, reports The Mirror.

Hillarie's mum Jodie Kelley said: "Her body saved them.

"The boys say they saw her open her eyes, and look at them and then she closed her eyes, never opened them again. They remember that."

The crash is being probed by state police in Michigan.

The driver was later found in a hospital, reports say, and it was discovered he had a suspended license, five current suspensions and two local warrants on top of two prior convictions.

The full identity of the male driver, 25, has not yet been released by police, who are awaiting blood tests, according to PEOPLE.

Ms Kelley added: "I am devastated. I cannot believe that this man wasn't in prison for his entire life for all of his warrants."

Two fundraisers have been set up in the wake of the devastating crash: one for the funeral, and another to raise money for the children.

Hillarie also had another son, eight, who was not travelling in the car at the time.

Brother Jacob Galazka said: "I'm just glad the babies survived a tragedy for the family.

"Everyone loves those kids. Everyone loves Hillarie. She is a good-hearted, strong, beautiful woman. She didn't deserve this death."

The GoFundMe pages have raised more than $30,000 (£21,718) combined so far.