Reese Hanshaw

A 13-year-old girl from Burgettstown drowned in the Ohio River in Weirton on Monday evening.

According to a press release issued by Weirton police, first responders were dispatched at about 6:55 p.m. to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, where the youth, identified on social media as Reese Hanshaw, had been swimming with family members.

Weirton Officer Adam Mortimer entered the water and brought Hanshaw back to shore, according to police.

EMS and firefighters performed life-saving measures before the youth was transported to Weirton Medical Center, where she died.

Weirton police Chief Charlie Kush said the incident remains under investigation and declined further comment.

Becky Watlet, Hanshaw’s aunt, posted to her Facebook page that Hanshaw’s death is an “unimaginable loss.”

“At just 13 years old, Reese was a shining light – kind, courageous, and full of love. Her selflessness and bravery will forever be remembered by all who knew her,” Watlet wrote.

In a message to a reporter, Watlet added that the incident “is a tragedy I never thought I’d be dealing with.

“My niece was such a sweet ray of sunshine to many,” Watlet said.

Heather Durbin, another aunt, set up a page on GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised $5,800 of its $10,000 goal.

“We appreciate and all support in this trying time as we grieve the loss of someone so young,” Durbin wrote in the description of the GoFundMe.