A heroic Staten Island woman pushed her 8-year-old grandson out of the way before being struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver as the two walked home from church Thursday night.

Clara Almazo, 57, and her grandson, Brian Herrera-Ramirez, were crossing Cary Avenue in West Brighton just before 10 p.m. when a black Ford Escape came barreling toward them, police say.

Read the original story at NBCNewYork.com

Witnesses said Almazo was thrown 10 to 20 feet by the impact. She was later pronounced dead at Richmond University Hospital. Her grandson suffered scratches and bruises.

They were returning home from Thursday services at Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta Church.

The alleged driver, Brian McGurk, turned himself in several hours after the accident and was charged Friday with leaving the scene of an accident. It wasn't clear if he had a lawyer.

It wasn't known how fast McGurk was driving. He remains in jail and his vehicle is under police surveillance.

Police say additional charges could be issued against the 40-year-old suspect.

More content from msnbc.com and NBC News:

• Navy F/A-18 jet crashes into building in Virginia Beach
• Gun used in Oikos University shooting found, Oakland police say
• Are these questionable charges on your credit card? A good list to check 
• Trayvon Martin shooting: Website to raise funds for Zimmerman
• Drones inflicting information overload on Air Force 

Follow US News on msnbc.com on Twitter and Facebook