Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

DeLand Mother Dies After Jumping Into St. Johns River to Save 4-Year-Old

Her death has prompted calls for safety changes at Ed Stone Park with new scrutiny of a lowered fishing railing.

FILE - A Florida mother died after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son who fell into the water Saturday afternoon, (Sunshine State Sonar Search Team)
A Florida mother died after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son who fell into the water Saturday afternoon. (Volusia County Gov.)
A Florida mother died after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son who fell into the water Saturday afternoon. (Credit: Roger Copeland)
A Florida mother died after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son who fell into the water Saturday afternoon, (Volusia County Gov.)

Overview

  • The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says Nicole Grayson, 43, jumped into the St. Johns River at Ed Stone Park to rescue her 4-year-old after he fell in trying to retrieve a dropped item.
  • A passing boater threw life preservers and pulled the child aboard unharmed while another witness lifted Grayson onto the boat and performed CPR before emergency crews arrived.
  • Local deputies confirmed late Saturday that Grayson was taken to a hospital, placed in intensive care, and died that night.
  • Family members and neighbors are asking county leaders to review park safety after witnesses pointed out a lowered section of railing where the child fell and reporters asked whether that fence was already missing upper rows.
  • Volusia County says the lowered fishing bay was added more than a decade ago to help people fish while seated and officials have said the feature was not labeled as an ADA-specific area as the family and community consider possible safety changes.