Florida mom dies after jumping into river to save her 4‑year‑old son

A Florida mother died after she jumped into a river to save her 4‑year‑old son, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Mother Dies Rescuing Son

Nicole Grayson, 43, of DeLand, entered St. John’s River around 4 p.m. on July 18 at Ed Stone Park after her son fell in while trying to retrieve an item he dropped near a fence at the river’s edge.

Deputies said the child was trying to reach the item when he slipped into the river. Grayson immediately jumped in to rescue him.

Boater Rescues Child; Witnesses Pull Mother From Water

Before first responders arrived, witnesses flagged down a passing boater, who threw life preservers toward Grayson and her son. Grayson became submerged while struggling to keep her child above water.

The boater pulled the child onto the boat unharmed. Another witness swam to Grayson, lifted her into the boat, and performed CPR until EMS arrived.

Grayson was taken to a hospital, where lifesaving efforts continued. She later died in the ICU around 10 p.m. Saturday.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office thanked the witnesses and the boater who helped rescue the child and attempted to save Grayson. The agency offered condolences to her family, calling her “a mother who gave her life to save her son.”

Investigators said the child was not injured.

Family Remembers Nicole Grayson as Selfless and Devoted

Grayson’s oldest child described her as an “incredible mother” who loved her children unconditionally and always put them first. The GoFundMe page read that the family was “truly blessed to have a mother who was caring, supportive, selfless, and always willing to sacrifice her time to make sure we had what we needed.”

Funds raised will help cover funeral costs and support Grayson’s children.