🚨 WOMAN DIES AFTER JUMPING INTO DELAWARE RIVER TO SAVE STRUGGLING CHILD
A 33-year-old woman died after jumping into the Delaware River to rescue a struggling child in Delran Township. Although she successfully saved the girl, the woman went underwater and was found dead by search teams the following morning.
📍 DELRAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
A 33-year-old woman died after jumping into the Delaware River Monday afternoon in an attempt to save a child who was struggling in the water, according to the Delran Township Police Department.
Authorities said officers responded around 4:00 p.m. Monday to the area of 81 Norman Avenue after receiving reports that two people may have drowned.
🌊 Investigators said Priscila Alvares Pereira Dos Santos entered the river to help a young girl who was struggling. She was able to push the child toward bystanders, who safely pulled the girl from the water.
Tragically, Pereira Dos Santos then went underwater and did not resurface.
🚨 Multiple agencies joined the search, including drone operators from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.
The search was suspended around 9:45 p.m. Monday and resumed at approximately 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.
💔 At approximately 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, authorities located Pereira Dos Santos’ body about 20 feet off the beach at Amico Island Park. Officials said the woman was found on what would have been her birthday.
Police said the death does not appear to be suspicious.
🚧 Amico Island Park is closed Tuesday while authorities continue their work at the scene.
❤️🩹 The incident has left a family grieving and a community mourning a woman who entered the water in an effort to save a child. Online support is also being collected to assist with funeral expenses and help the woman’s family moving forward.
⚠️ WATER SAFETY REMINDER: Never underestimate the power of moving water. If someone is struggling in the water, call 911 and, when possible, use a flotation device or reach/throw assistance rather than entering the water yourself.
🕊️ Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, the child who was rescued, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.
📸 Photo by: Walter Hessert
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