DELAND, Fla. — A selfless Florida mother lost her life on July 18, 2026, after jumping into the fast-moving St. Johns River to rescue her 4-year-old son, who had fallen in while trying to retrieve an item near a park fence. Nicole Grayson, 43, of DeLand, died at a hospital later that evening despite rescue efforts by bystanders and emergency responders.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. at Ed Stone Park west of DeLand. Grayson’s young son dropped something over a wooden fence and fell into the river while attempting to get it back. Grayson immediately jumped in after him.

Witnesses reported that Grayson struggled to keep her son above water as help arrived. A bystander flagged down a boater, who threw two life preservers to the pair. The boater managed to pull the unharmed child onto the boat. Another witness jumped in to assist in lifting Grayson from the water. Bystanders performed CPR until emergency crews took over. Grayson was transported to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries that night.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood praised the bystanders who assisted in the rescue and offered condolences to Grayson’s family. “Sheriff Chitwood and the entire Volusia Sheriff’s Office send sincere thanks to all who jumped in to help with the rescue, and deepest condolences to Ms. Grayson’s family and friends for their loss of a mother who gave her life to save her son,” the office stated.

Grayson was a mother of six children and worked as a hospice nurse. Family members described her as a devoted and loving parent who always put her kids first. Her oldest daughter, Montraevia Adams, created a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and support the family.

“She was an incredible mother who raised six children,” Adams wrote. “She loved each of us unconditionally and would do anything for her kids. We were 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.”

Other relatives echoed these sentiments. Grayson’s 17-year-old son, Dafino Devega, said she was always there for her children. Her grandmother of three of the children, Laronda Morris, noted, “These kids were her world. They were her life.” Nine-year-old Koron, who was present at the park, recalled how his mother prioritized saving his younger brother.

The tragedy has deeply affected the family and community, highlighting both the dangers of open water near parks and the profound bravery of a mother’s love. Grayson’s final act has been remembered as the ultimate sacrifice for her child.

Donations to support the family can be made through the GoFundMe page established by Montraevia Adams.

Sources:

• Florida Today / USA TODAY Network