Teen Girl Dies Saving 9-Year-Old Cousin from Detroit River During Family Graduation Party

DETROIT, Michigan — A 14-year-old girl is being remembered as a hero after she drowned while rescuing her 9-year-old cousin from the Detroit River during a family graduation celebration.

The victim, Aamina Bradley, died on the evening of June 27 after entering the river to save her younger cousin, who had fallen into the water at a Detroit park.

Teen Entered River to Save Cousin

According to authorities, emergency crews were called to the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. after reports that two children had entered the Detroit River.

Bystanders managed to rescue the 9-year-old girl from the water before first responders arrived, but Aamina disappeared beneath the surface.

Detroit police, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Detroit Fire Department, and the city’s Harbor Master launched a search operation that later became a recovery mission after rescuers were unable to locate the teenager alive.

Her body was subsequently recovered from the river.

Father Recalls Daughter’s Final Moments

Aamina’s father, Glenn Bradley, said the family had gathered at the park to celebrate a graduation when the tragic incident unfolded.

He described his daughter as an experienced swimmer who loved spending time in the water but said the river’s powerful current overwhelmed her while she was trying to save her cousin.

According to her father, Aamina’s last words were a desperate call for help before she disappeared beneath the water.

Glenn said he also entered the river in an attempt to rescue his daughter but nearly drowned himself before being pulled to safety.

Authorities Praise Rescue Efforts

Detroit Police Commander Lawrence Purifoy said first responders initially launched a rescue operation before realizing it had become a recovery effort.

Emergency teams from multiple agencies worked together to recover Aamina’s body after an extensive search of the river.

Community Mourns Young Hero

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield extended condolences to the Bradley family, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking and thanking first responders and members of the public who acted quickly to save the younger child.

She said no family should have to experience the loss of a child under such devastating circumstances.

Family Honors Aamina’s Legacy

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help the Bradley family cover funeral expenses and celebrate Aamina’s life.

Organizers described the teenager as a bright, loving and courageous young girl whose kindness, smile and selfless spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

They said Aamina died while carrying out an extraordinary act of bravery, sacrificing her own life to save a member of her family.

The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for increased water safety awareness, particularly around rivers where strong currents can quickly become dangerous, even for experienced swimmers.