Billy Grooms, 49, a Hillsboro father of two, is on life support after stepping in to stop a girl from being strangled at a gas station on South High Street, relatives say. Family members say the attacker jumped into a truck and ran Grooms over, leaving him with multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Loved ones say doctors have told them there is nothing more to be done and that Grooms, a longtime provider for his family, will be prepared for organ donation.
Family recounts the attack
As reported by Arizona's Family, Grooms and his son were at the South High Street station early Sunday when they saw a girl being choked. Relatives say he stepped in, told the young man to let her go, and tried to break it up. Instead, they say, the attacker climbed into his truck and ran Grooms over. Medical staff treated him for severe trauma, but his family says they were later told there was nothing more doctors could do.
Victim and community reaction
The young woman Grooms helped later released a statement calling him the reason she is still alive. “I believe Billy was a hero. I believe his actions saved my life. I’ll carry that gratitude with me forever,” she said, according to Arizona's Family. Friends describe Grooms as selfless and deeply involved in his community, and relatives have launched a fundraiser to help cover mounting expenses. Neighbors and longtime acquaintances call the news devastating and say his decision to step in fits exactly who he has always been.
Honor walk and organ donation
Relatives say Grooms is an organ donor and that hospital staff plan to hold an honor walk before his organs are recovered, according to WXIX. An honor walk is a quiet, coordinated moment when hospital workers and loved ones line the hallway as a donor is taken to surgery, a show of respect and gratitude that organ donation group LifeSource says is meant to recognize the donor's final act and give families visible support.
Investigation ongoing
Hillsboro police say the investigation is still underway and have not released information on a suspect or any potential charges, WXIX reports. Local authorities have not given a timeline for the next steps, and residents say they are waiting for official updates. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate what comes next.
How to help
Friends and relatives have started a fundraiser to help cover immediate costs, noting that Grooms was the primary breadwinner for his household. Supporters are being urged to double-check any online campaigns before donating and to respect the family's need for space while they face a series of difficult decisions.
