DeLAND, Fla. — A heartbreaking tragedy has left the DeLand community mourning the loss of Nicole Grayson, 43, who died after courageously jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son on Saturday afternoon.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Ed Stone Park, located west of DeLand, at approximately 4 p.m. after receiving reports that a young child and his mother had entered the river. Witnesses at the scene immediately sprang into action, doing everything possible to rescue the pair while emergency personnel were en route.
Authorities said the incident began when Nicole’s 4-year-old son was playing near a wooden fence along the riverbank. After accidentally dropping an item over the fence, the child attempted to retrieve it and fell into the water. Without hesitation, Nicole entered the river in an effort to save him.
As the two struggled in the water, a witness flagged down a passing boater, who quickly responded by throwing life preservers toward the mother and child. Despite receiving assistance, Nicole became submerged while using her strength to keep her son above the surface.
The boater was able to reach the child and pull him safely aboard, saving his life. Another witness courageously entered the river, swam to Nicole, helped lift her onto the boat, and immediately began performing CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived and continued lifesaving efforts.
Nicole was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors and medical staff worked tirelessly to save her. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead in the intensive care unit at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday.
Her son survived the incident without physical injury, thanks to his mother’s selfless actions and the swift response of the witnesses and first responders who refused to give up.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude to the bystanders and the boater whose quick thinking helped save the young boy’s life. Sheriff Mike Chitwood and members of the department also extended their heartfelt condolences to Nicole Grayson’s family and friends, honoring her extraordinary sacrifice.
Nicole Grayson is being remembered as a devoted mother whose final act reflected the depth of her love for her child. Her courage, selflessness, and unwavering determination to protect her son have touched countless people throughout the community.
As family and friends grieve this unimaginable loss, they are finding comfort in knowing that Nicole’s legacy will forever be defined by the ultimate act of a mother’s love. Funeral and memorial service arrangements are expected to be announced by her family at a later date.