SerpApi.Org
A 43-year-old mother died Saturday night after jumping into the St. Johns River at Ed Stone Park to rescue her 4-year-old son, who had fallen into the water.
Deputies with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office responded to the park west of DeLand around 4 p.m. Saturday following reports that a woman and child were in the river.
According to investigators, the child was playing near a wooden fence along the river’s edge when he dropped an item over the fence. While attempting to retrieve it, the 4-year-old fell into the water, prompting his mother, identified as Nicole Grayson, to jump in after him.
While emergency units were en route, a witness at the park flagged down a nearby boater. The boater threw two life preservers toward Grayson and her son. Officials reported that Grayson submerged as she struggled to hold her son above the water.
The boater pulled the child onto the vessel unharmed. Another witness at the park swam out to Grayson, helped lift her onto the boat, and performed CPR until emergency medical services arrived and took over care.
Grayson was transported to a local hospital, where medical staff continued life-saving measures. She passed away in the intensive care unit around 10 p.m. Saturday.
In a statement following the incident, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office released a message on behalf of Sheriff Mike Chitwood and the department:
“Sheriff Chitwood and the entire Volusia Sheriff’s Office send sincere thanks [to] all who jumped in to help with the rescue, and deepest condolences to Ms. Grayson’s family and friends for their loss of a mother who gave her life to save her son.”
READ: Two Alabama Teens Arrested In Florida Facing Multiple Weapon And Drug Charges
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Florida Mother Dies After Jumping Into St. Johns River To Save 4-Year-Old Son
