A DeLand mother died Saturday after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A DeLand mother died Saturday after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the child was playing near a wooden fence at Ed Stone Park west of DeLand when he dropped something over the fence. Deputies said he fell into the river while trying to retrieve it. Witnesses told deputies that Grayson and her son drifted with the current. The sheriff’s office said she became submerged while struggling to keep the child above water.
Someone at the park flagged down a boater, who threw two life preservers into the river. Deputies said the boater was able to get close enough to pull the child onboard unharmed. Another witness then jumped into the river, swam to Grayson and helped lift her onto the boat. That person performed CPR until EMS arrived and took over.
Grayson was taken to the hospital. The sheriff’s office said she was reported to be breathing but unresponsive at one point. She died in the ICU around 10 p.m. Saturday. At the park Sunday, the sheriff’s office directed WKMG to a section of fence in front of a bench where only the lower rows of fencing were in place.
Deputies said that is where the child fell into the water. WKMG has asked Volusia County whether the fence was already in that condition before the incident, whether the county was aware of it, and whether any repairs or temporary barriers are planned. Chris Piercey was preparing to take his family boating at the park Sunday when WKMG told him what happened.
“I just can’t even imagine what happened to the family and what a sacrifice the mom made to save her child,” Piercey said. “Unbelievable. ” Piercey works in the swimming-pool industry and said the tragedy is another reminder of the importance of water safety in Florida.
“In Florida, obviously, it’s super important,” he said. “There’s so many bodies of water. If we can prevent an accidental drowning, it’s great. ” The Volusia Sheriff’s Office thanked the boater and witnesses who helped with the rescue and offered condolences to Grayson’s family and friends.
Alex Cook Alex Cook has been at News 6 since 2016 as a photographer, logistics coordinator, content gatherer, and now reporter.
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