Burgettstown Teen Who Drowned In Ohio River Identified

July 2, 2025 2:24 am

WEIRTON, W.Va. — (WPXI) – A 13-year-old girl from Burgettstown died Monday evening after being swept away by a current in the Ohio River. Reese Hanshaw had just completed eighth grade and was set to begin her freshman year at Burgettstown High School this fall. She was swimming with family members near the Veterans Memorial Bridge when a younger cousin got caught in the water. Family members say Reese rushed to help—and in the process, was pulled away by the current. According to Weirton Police, Officer Adam Mortimer responded within minutes and entered the river to bring Reese to shore. Life-saving efforts were immediately performed by Mortimer, EMS crews, and the Weirton Fire Department before Reese was transported to Weirton Medical Center, where she later died.