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Delran Woman Who Pushed Child to Shore Found Dead in Delaware River

Authorities recovered and identified her body, with officials saying the death is not believed to be suspicious and the county medical examiner will investigate.

Overview

  • The woman entered the Delaware River at Amico Island Park to help a struggling 9-year-old and pushed the child toward shore before she went underwater and did not resurface, police said.
  • A multi-agency search that paused overnight resumed Tuesday morning and recovered her body at about 8:15 a.m. roughly 20 feet off a beach, officials reported.
  • Delran police identified the victim as 33-year-old Priscila Alvares Pereira Dos Santos of Delran and said the circumstances do not appear suspicious as the Burlington County Medical Examiner reviews the case.
  • Amico Island Park remains closed during the inquiry and local officials emphasized that swimming is prohibited there because the river meeting the Rancocas Creek has strong undercurrents and a history of drownings.
  • Her husband, speaking to local media, said she was from Brazil and died a day before her 34th birthday; the child she saved is safe and the community has organized support for the family.