The Brief Dozens gathered in Orange City to remember Nicole Grayson, who died rescuing her 4-year-old son. Her son survived, and loved ones remembered Grayson as a selfless mother. Dozens of family members, friends and community members gathered in Orange City on Thursday evening to honor a DeLand mother who died while saving her child's life. Nicole Grayson, 43, drowned after jumping into the St. Johns River to save her 4-year-old son. Grayson's son survived the incident with the help of bystanders.