Pittsburgh EMS Workers Honored for Heroic River Rescue Attempt

Crews spent hours diving into freezing Monongahela River to try to save woman who crashed off highway

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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More than 30 members of Pittsburgh's Emergency Medical Services bureau were honored for their efforts during a rescue on the Monongahela River in late January, where they spent hours diving 20 feet down into the freezing water to try to save Jacinta Stevens after her car flew off the Parkway East and into the river. Tragically, Stevens was submerged for 40-60 minutes and later died at the hospital, but the EMS crews were praised for their bravery and quick response.

Why it matters

The heroic actions of the Pittsburgh EMS crews highlight the dangers first responders face in carrying out life-saving missions, especially in extreme weather conditions. The incident also raises questions about the safety of the Parkway East and whether barriers or other measures could have prevented the tragic crash.

The details

Pittsburgh River Rescue crews worked tirelessly to find Stevens, bring her to the surface, perform life-saving measures, and get her to the hospital, where she later died. Crews faced freezing temperatures, with the water around 34 degrees and their gear starting to freeze, making the rescue operation extremely challenging.

  • In late January 2026, Jacinta Stevens' car flew off the Parkway East and into the Monongahela River.
  • Pittsburgh EMS crews responded and spent hours diving into the freezing river to try to rescue Stevens.
  • Investigators said Stevens was submerged in the water for approximately 40 to 60 minutes.

The players

Jacinta Stevens

The woman whose car crashed into the Monongahela River, tragically resulting in her death.

Gregory Tersine

The Pittsburgh River Rescue Crew Chief who was the first diver into the water that day and detailed the difficult conditions crews faced.

Amera Gilchrist

The Pittsburgh EMS Chief who said the heroic actions and collaborative work of the crews deserved to be celebrated.

Corey O'Connor

The Mayor of Pittsburgh who praised the EMS crews for not hesitating and doing the job they wanted to do.

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What they’re saying

“None of you hesitated. You didn't think about it. Because this is the job that you wanted to do.”

— Corey O'Connor, Mayor of Pittsburgh

“Their heroic actions and the collaborative work performed that day deserves for them to be celebrated today.”

— Amera Gilchrist, Pittsburgh EMS Chief

“The water was about 34 degrees, 33 degrees that day, so very, very cold. It was more the wind chill that was the factor that worked against us that day. A lot of our gear that was wet was starting to freeze. A lot of our dive equipment was freezing.”

— Gregory Tersine, Pittsburgh River Rescue Crew Chief

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine why Jacinta Stevens' car went off the Parkway East and into the Monongahela River. The car has yet to be pulled from the river.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the bravery and dedication of Pittsburgh's first responders, who risk their own lives to try to save others, even in the most extreme and dangerous conditions. It also raises important questions about highway safety and whether more can be done to prevent such tragic crashes in the future.