A Detroit family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Aamina Bradley, who died after jumping into the Detroit River in an attempt to save her 9-year-old cousin.
The tragic incident happened Saturday evening at Maheras-Gentry Park on Detroit’s east side, where the family had gathered to celebrate a graduation. According to Detroit police, Aamina’s younger cousin accidentally fell into the river. Without hesitation, the teenager leaped into the water to rescue the child.
Bystanders were able to pull the 9-year-old to safety, but the powerful river current swept Aamina away. Her father, Glenn Bradley, rushed into the water in a desperate attempt to save his daughter, but he was unable to reach her. He also had to be rescued after struggling against the current. Authorities later recovered Aamina’s body from the Detroit River.
Speaking through unimaginable grief, Bradley recalled the final moments he shared with his daughter.
“Her last words were, ‘Dad help me,'” he said. “When I went out there, she disappeared, she went under and never came back up.”
Bradley described Aamina as a loving daughter with a bright future. He said she dreamed of becoming a scientist and was deeply devoted to her family.
“My daughter was my baby girl, she was my everything,” he said. “At the end of the day, my daughter was a warrior. She had a beautiful heart and the most beautiful smile.”
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield also expressed condolences to the Bradley family, praising the bystanders who acted quickly to save the younger child while recognizing the coordinated response from the Detroit Police Dive Team, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Detroit Fire Department, and the Harbor Master.
The tragedy has touched many across the Detroit community, with Aamina being remembered as a hero whose selfless act saved the life of her young cousin. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of both the dangers of swift river currents and the extraordinary courage she displayed in her final moments.
