Priscila Pereira dos Santos dies after saving child in Delaware River

Priscila Alvares Pereira dos Santos, a 33-year-old Brazilian immigrant living in New Jersey, died after rescuing a 9-year-old girl from drowning in the Delaware River near Delran.

On Monday, August 24, Priscila noticed the child in distress and entered the water. She successfully pushed the girl toward the shore, where bystanders were able to pull her to safety. However, Priscila was unable to return to the surface and disappeared in the river.

Following an extensive search by local police and fire departments, her body was recovered on Tuesday, August 25, near Amico Island Park. The recovery occurred on what would have been her 34th birthday. Delran Police Chief Matthew Gasper described her as a hero. Priscila, a native of Minas Gerais, had lived in the United States for approximately five years and is survived by her husband and two young children.