WEIRTON, W.Va. — A 13-year-old girl from Burgettstown died Monday evening after being swept away by a current in the Ohio River.
Reese Hanshaw had just completed eighth grade and was set to begin her freshman year at Burgettstown High School this fall. She was swimming with family members near the Veterans Memorial Bridge when a younger cousin got caught in the water.
Family members say Reese rushed to help—and in the process, was pulled away by the current.
According to Weirton Police, Officer Adam Mortimer responded within minutes and entered the river to bring Reese to shore. Life-saving efforts were immediately performed by Mortimer, EMS crews, and the Weirton Fire Department before Reese was transported to Weirton Medical Center, where she later died.
On social media, Reese’s family members are sharing her story and honoring her bravery. One relative described her as “a shining light—kind, courageous, and full of love.” Others say her selflessness and heroism will never be forgotten.
Several fundraisers have been posted to help the family, including this GoFundMe.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
