WEIRTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 13-year-old girl from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, died Monday evening after being swept away by a strong current in the Ohio River while trying to help a family member in distress.
Reese Hanshaw had just completed the eighth grade and was preparing to enter her freshman year at Burgettstown High School this fall.
She was swimming with family near the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Weirton when a younger cousin became caught in the water.
According to family members, Reese rushed to help the child but was pulled away by the current.
Weirton Police said Officer Adam Mortimer responded within minutes and entered the river to bring Reese to shore.
Life-saving efforts were performed immediately by Mortimer, EMS personnel, and the Weirton Fire Department before Reese was transported to Weirton Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
Several fundraisers have been launched to support the family, including a GoFundMe page to assist her father.
