Mother drowns trying to save toddler

PRESTON, Md. (WMAR) - A Father's Day fishing trip turned tragic when a 22-year-old mother jumped into Marsh Creek after her toddler fell in from the Poplar Neck Bridge.

The woman and her husband jumped into the creek after their 2 1/2-year-old child fell in, at about 2:30 Sunday afternoon, and did not resurface.

The mother, who officials say could not swim, jumped in after the toddler fell off the fishing bridge while they were packing up to go home following their fishing trip.

The husband also jumped in after the two and was able to get a hold of both his wife and child, but the current was strong and he lost his grip.

Sgt. John Felts of the Salisbury Police Department happened to be visiting his father who lives near the bridge, heard what was happening and jumped in to help.

The officer was able to get the toddler onto the shore, but the father lost contact with his wife.

The woman was found by dive teams not far from the bridge about 4 hours later. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

The water in the creek is between 6 and 8 feet deep and often has strong currents.

The toddler was taken to a local hospital where he is expected to survive.