June 09 2005 at 07:40PM

Dachau, Germany - A woman who darted out into nighttime traffic to save a hedgehog died after being hit by an oncoming car, police in southern Germany said on Thursday.

The 21-year-old woman stopped her car on a street in Dachau Wednesday night and jumped out to rescue the small mammal.

She was about to pick up the frightened creature when she was struck and dragged 30 metres along the roadway.

She was rushed to a local hospital, where she succumbed on Thursday afternoon to her injuries.

The hedgehog was unhurt. An eyewitness to the tragedy scooped it up and carried it to safety in a nearby wooded area. - Sapa-dpa

Submitted on 06/09/2005

Submitted by: Ajay
Reference: www.iol.co.za - 10 June 2005

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

Daniel said:
Definitely Toss: Not Amusing
Darwin is not amused when rescuers are hurt.

Kelly said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
There weren't any rescuer's hurt. The only one hurt was the fool who thought it would be a good idea to dash out into traffic to retrieve a critter.

Jack said:
Definitely Toss: Not Amusing
Having known some animal rescue people, I have to agree with Daniel.

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
And yet I have to agree with Kelly -- many animal rescuers will be just this stupid.

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4