Current:Home > InvestIndy woman drowned in Puerto Rico trying to save girlfriend from rip currents, family says -TradeBridge
Indy woman drowned in Puerto Rico trying to save girlfriend from rip currents, family says
View
Date:2025-04-18 16:30:56
A 22-year-old Indianapolis woman was found "submerged and unresponsive" while on vacation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, earlier this week, officials said.
The body of Cimone Alicea Dawson was recovered from Condado Beach on Monday afternoon, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard. She was on the island along with two friends when they got caught "in the strong rip currents" the night before.
Coast Guard watchstanders were notified about screaming and people "in distress" in the water around 6:30 p.m., per the news release. This prompted search efforts from several agencies and emergency responders. Dawson's friends were saved with the help of law enforcement and bystanders.
“We extend are most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young woman and pray they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,” Cmdr. Matthew Romano said in a statement.
Romano continued, “I would like to extend my appreciation to the bystanders and on-scene authorities for their actions which saved two lives and to all the Coast Guard units and emergency response partners for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts during the search.”
Drowning deaths:Teen who nearly drowned in Texas lake thanks friend who died trying to rescue her: Report
Dawson was trying to rescue her girlfriend, her family says
According to WTHR, Dawson was in Puerto Rico for a birthday celebration. The night of the incident, she was trying to save her girlfriend when she disappeared and didn't return to land.
“That’s just the type of person she was,” her cousin, Siajhanai Wean, told the outlet.“Even if I was on that beach and Cimone, seeing her loved one struggling, I couldn’t even get Cimone not to go back into the water.”
Cimone's family said that she recently moved to Indianapolis for a reset, the news station reported. Wean created a GoFundMe seeking donations to bring her body back home for a proper funeral service.
"She was a shining light in the lives of everyone she touched..she was a real one kind, brave, and selfless," the fundraiser said. "Her love for others knew no bounds, and she always put the needs of those around her before her own."
The family has raised more than $13,000 of their $25,000 goal so far.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
veryGood! (2)
Related
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Brazil’s federal police arrest top criminal leader Zinho after negotiations
- CBS News poll: What are Americans' hopes and resolutions for 2024?
- The 'All Songs Considered' holiday extravaganza
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Michigan State basketball freshman Jeremy Fears shot in leg in hometown, has surgery
- Peso Pluma bests Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny for most streamed YouTube artist of 2023
- Delaware hospital system will pay $47 million to settle whistleblower allegations of billing fraud
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- A weekend of combat in Gaza kills more than a dozen Israeli soldiers, a sign of Hamas’ entrenchment
Ranking
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Manchester United announces completion of deal to sell up to 25% of club to Jim Ratcliffe
- Why you should watch 'Taskmaster,' the funniest TV show you've never heard of
- AP PHOTOS: Estonia, one of the first countries to introduce Christmas trees, celebrates the holiday
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Vatican to publish never-before-seen homilies by Pope Benedict XVI during his 10-year retirement
- Washington state police accountability law in the spotlight after officers cleared in Ellis’ death
- Massive Ravens-49ers game on Christmas could help solve NFL MVP mystery
Recommendation
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Israel and Hamas measures get a look as most US state legislatures meet for first time since Oct. 7
Are grocery stores open Christmas Day 2023? See details for Costco, Kroger, Publix, more
North Dakota lawmaker made homophobic remarks to officer during DUI stop, bodycam footage shows
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
How Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Are Celebrating the Holidays Amid Their Divorce
Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges in D.C. and federal lands
Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. out Sunday with brain injury after developing new symptoms