Mother Drowns Trying to Save Son in Florida River

In a tragic incident, a mother from Florida lost her life while attempting to rescue her 4-year-old son from drowning in the St. Johns River. Authorities reported that Nicole Grayson, 43, jumped into the water at Ed Stone Park near DeLand after her son fell in while playing.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office noted that the boy was playing with an object near a wooden fence when he slipped and fell into the river. Grayson quickly followed him into the water.

According to her eldest son, Dafino DeVega, the child likely lost his footing while reaching for the object. “He slipped in deep and got away,” he said, adding that his mother panicked and jumped in to save him.

Witnesses reported that as Grayson fought to keep her son above the water, a passerby alerted a nearby boater, who tossed life preservers to them. Despite her efforts, Grayson lost her grip, and the situation escalated quickly.

A frantic 911 call revealed that rescuers had managed to retrieve the child but were still struggling to save Grayson. “The mother is drowning, and we picked up the baby,” the caller said, expressing urgency for help.

The boater eventually managed to pull the boy aboard, and he was unharmed. However, Grayson was unresponsive when she was rescued from the river. Another witness, John Leaka, jumped into action, assisting in pulling her onto the boat and performing CPR until emergency services arrived.

Once at the hospital, medical personnel attempted to revive her for several hours, but she was pronounced dead in the intensive care unit later that night.

Grayson, a mother of six, is remembered by her family as a dedicated and selfless individual. “That’s the type of mother she was. She was a hero,” DeVega reflected, emphasizing her protective nature.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood acknowledged the efforts of the bystanders and rescuers who rushed to aid Grayson and her son. “We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends,” he stated, reflecting on the significant loss her family has suffered.

Chitwood highlighted that Grayson’s bravery will be remembered, not just for her final act, but for the unconditional love she had for her children.