Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

DeLand Mother Dies After Saving 4-Year-Old From St. Johns River

Her death is driving calls to review a lowered railing at Ed Stone Park that family and reporters say may have allowed the child to fall.

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 rescue unfolded Saturday afternoon when a 4-year-old dropped a toy over a wooden fence, climbed down and fell into the St. Johns River and his mother, 43-year-old Nicole Grayson, jumped in to save him.
  • A passing boater threw life preservers and pulled the child aboard unharmed while another witness swam to Grayson, lifted her onto the boat and performed CPR until EMS arrived.
  • Grayson was taken to a hospital where medical teams continued life-saving efforts and she died in the intensive care unit around 10 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
  • Family members and neighbors have mourned Grayson as a hospice nurse and mother of six and her eldest daughter has launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral and family expenses.
  • Local reporters have asked Volusia County whether lowered sections of the park railing, installed about 10 years ago to aid seated anglers, were a factor and county officials have been asked about repairs or temporary safety measures as that inquiry develops.