Woman who drowned saving child in Delaware River recovered on her 34th birthday

The body of a woman who jumped into the Delaware River to rescue a struggling girl was recovered Tuesday morning, on what would have been her 34th birthday, police said. Authorities and family are mourning the loss of Priscila Alvares Pereira Dos Santos, a mother of two who officials say died a hero.

Dos Santos, 33, of Delran, entered the water at Amico Island Park around 3:52 p.m. Monday after a juvenile girl was seen in distress near the shore. According to the Delran Township Police Department, Dos Santos managed to push the girl toward bystanders, who pulled her to safety. Moments later, Dos Santos went under the surface and did not resurface.

An extensive search involving the Delran police and fire departments, the New Jersey State Police, a Camden County dive team, and the Philadelphia Police Department was suspended at 9:45 p.m. Monday. It resumed at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday with the assistance of drones.

At approximately 8:15 a.m., authorities located Dos Santos’ body about 20 feet off a beach at the park. Police Chief Matt Gasper said the circumstances are not believed to be suspicious.

“Priscila died a hero,” Gasper said in a statement. “She saw a young girl in the river, in distress, calling for help. And she went in there and sacrificed herself and saved that young child.”

Her husband was present at the scene Tuesday to support recovery efforts, according to NBC10 Philadelphia. He told the outlet that the day marked her 34th birthday and that she leaves behind two children.

The park, which occupies a 55-acre peninsula between the river and Rancocas Creek, prohibits swimming. Signs are posted throughout the area warning of strong currents and shifting tides. Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Peak noted that the river’s flow can be as treacherous as an ocean undertow.

“River current is almost the exact same thing,” Peak said. “It will pull you right under. If you’re not a strong swimmer or a good swimmer, it’s not going to fare very well for anyone involved.”

The investigation remains ongoing, with further examination to be conducted by the Burlington County Medical Examiner’s Office. Amico Island Park remained closed Tuesday as officials continued their work.

No additional information was released.