13-year-old drowns heroically trying to save cousin in river

In the United States, specifically near Weirton, West Virginia, a tragic incident occurred when a 13-year-old girl named Reese Hanshaw drowned in the Ohio River while attempting to rescue a family member. This event took place on a Monday evening around 7 p.m. as Reese was swimming with her relatives close to the Veterans Memorial Bridge. While swimming, one of her younger cousins was caught in a strong current and began to struggle. Without hesitation, Reese jumped into the water in a valiant attempt to save him. Unfortunately, both she and her cousin were swept away by the powerful current. Emergency services, including the Weirton Police Department and local fire and ambulance units, received a distress call and responded promptly to the scene. Officers were able to reach Reese about 40 yards into the river and retrieved her from the water. Life-saving measures were immediately administered, and she was transported to Weirton Medical Center. Sadly, Reese did not survive, and she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Her aunt expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing Reese as a courageous and selfless girl who exemplified heroism at a young age. Friends and family have since begun a GoFundMe campaign to assist her father, a single parent of four, in covering the funeral expenses. In light of this tragic fate, experts remind the public about important safety practices to prevent drowning incidents, especially in natural bodies of water. Educational campaigns often emphasize the significance of wearing life jackets, ensuring adult supervision, and carefully considering swimming locations, particularly for teenagers.