EDEN, N.C. — The mother of the 3-year-old rescued by Eden police from the Dan River Tuesday says he is doing okay and was released from the hospital.
Makala Williamson identified her son, Ja'Marion Blackwell as the 3-year-old rescued by police Tuesday. She says hospital staff took her son off oxygen Wednesday morning.
Williamson explains his vitals are fine. He is eating and talking and excited to be home.
Williamson recalled her son was with his aunt and cousins at the boat landing when he fell off the steps and into the water. Williamson said she was helping her grandmother when she got the call that her baby was in the water.
Williamson is grateful her son is okay.
"I cannot thank God enough. I cannot thank the officers enough. Everyone that played a part in saving my child's life thank you from the bottom of my heart," exclaimed Williamson.
On Tuesday, WFMY News 2 learned two Eden police officers helped save the 3-year-old from drowning in the Dan River.
Police said they got the call around 12:45 p.m. and were dispatched to the Leaksville Landing on Highway 87.
According to the caller, they said the 3-year-old had fallen into the river from the landing steps and was floating without a life vest.
When they arrived, officers said they found the toddler floating face down in the river.
Officers Josh Roberts and Timothy Knight entered the river in full police gear. Roberts was able to grab the toddler and swim to safety with Knight.
"They grabbed the child, they ran up the hill, Officer Roberts his legs actually give out, he's done, as officer Roberts falls to the ground, Tim Knight picks the child up and delivers the child to our medic team," recalled Eden Police Chief, Paul Moore.
The child was taken to UNC Rockingham for further treatment. Police said Tuesday night the 3-year-old was in stable condition.
Chief Moore reacted to the miracle of a rescue.
"I was amazed. That's one of those things you know, you'll get a little tear in your eye and kind of look up and 'thank you Lord' everybody is safe. Then you hear that the child is going to be okay, it's great, fairytale ending."
Both Williamson and police encourage parents to watch their children near bodies of water especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches.
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