Stratford mom whose son, 6, died after falling in Housatonic River describes ‘unimaginable’ grief
Magdalena Smith took the opportunity to address the public speculation surrounding the incident.
Magdalena Smith, 23, of Stratford says she will never recover from the pain of losing her firstborn child, 6-year-old Jaseh Martinez, who died after falling into the Housatonic River in Stratford Wednesday while he was walking along the Birdseye Boat Ramp with his mother.
"My grief is unimaginable, and I can't stop crying," Smith told News 12.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Search for child who fell into Housatonic River Wednesday afternoon continues this morning
Smith took the opportunity to address the public speculation surrounding the incident.
"Everybody's trying to say, 'Well, where was the parent, where was the parent? I was right there, and guess what I did? I jumped into the water. That was my first born," Smith said.
Smith says a United Illuminating worker also jumped in the water in a desperate but ultimately unsuccessful effort to rescue the child, whose body was recovered Friday after a search that lasted almost 48 hours.
"What I want everybody to do is hug your loved ones and say you love them, because tomorrow is promised to no one," Smith said.
The family has set up a fund to help with funeral expenses.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
‘Community in unity.’ Stratford holds candlelight vigil for missing boy
Crews suspend search for young boy who fell in the Housatonic River
