A DeLand mother has died after saving her 4-year-old son from the St. Johns River in a heroic rescue attempt Saturday afternoon, according to the Volusia Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement responded to Ed Stone Park in DeLand, Florida, at approximately 4 p.m. on July 18, 2026, after witnesses reported that a mother and child were in the river.<\/p>\n
Authorities said an initial investigation found that the child had dropped a toy over a fence near the river and fell into the water while trying to retrieve it. His mother, identified as 43-year-old Nicole Grayson, immediately jumped into the river to save him.<\/p>\n
Witnesses said Grayson struggled to keep her son above the water while a nearby boater was called over for help. The boater threw two life preservers to Grayson and her son, allowing the 4-year-old boy to be safely rescued onto the boat without injuries.<\/p>\n
Another witness entered the river and helped lift Grayson onto the boat before beginning CPR until emergency responders arrived. Grayson was transported to a nearby hospital, where medical staff continued life-saving efforts. Despite those efforts, she later died in the intensive care unit.<\/p>\n
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood and the Volusia Sheriff\u2019s Office thanked the bystanders who assisted in the rescue and extended condolences to Grayson\u2019s family and friends.<\/p>\n
The incident has left the DeLand community mourning the loss of a mother whose final act was one of courage and love. Nicole Grayson\u2019s actions saved her child\u2019s life, and her sacrifice will be remembered by those touched by her story.<\/p>\n
The investigation and review of the incident remain ongoing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"