Single mother of 3 dies after saving a stranger’s child from drowning in creek

ALVATON, Ky. (WBKO/Gray News) — A single mother of three died after rescuing a stranger’s child from drowning in a creek last week.

Sarah Jo Reeder was visiting Phil Moore Park’s creek in Alvaton, Kentucky, with her children on Friday when she jumped in the water to save a young boy.

Melissa Donovan, who has been friends with Reeder for over 30 years, said Reeder died a hero.

“She went in the water to try to save the boy, and he eventually pulled her down trying to come up,” Donovan said. “And ultimately, that’s how it went down. And a paddle boarder pulled her and the boy out of the water and then got emergency services on the way.”

Reeder was taken to a hospital in Bowling Green but died hours later due to the lack of oxygen flow to her brain.

Ashley Flowers, who is also a close family friend, received a phone call from Reeder’s son telling her the terrible news.

“He said, ‘You need to come to the hospital. Something’s going to happen with mom,’” Flowers said.

Reeder’s friends said they are not surprised she gave up her life to save a little boy.

“She would run into a burning building to go after whoever. I mean, it could even be a cat,” Flowers said. “… Her automatic instinct is to help another person out, like to do whatever needs to be done to get the situation fixed or to handle it. And so that was not out of line for her whatsoever.”

While visiting the creek where Reeder drowned, Donovan said she wants to continue spreading awareness about water safety while honoring her friend’s life.

“In honor of her, I would really like to see, like, some lifesavers down here [at the creek] on ropes, because this is not an uncommon occurrence,” Donovan said. “Somebody falling in, somebody getting swept up. It happens every year down here ... So, I think having some lifesavers down here in honor of her would be a great tribute.”

Reeder’s loved ones have set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and care for her children.