Nationwide — Ahmed Osman, a 10-year-old African American boy, and his 24-year-old teacher, Hannah Jorgensen, died after he fell into an Iowa reservoir during a school field trip and she jumped into the water to save him. Authorities have released additional details about the September 22 tragedy, including how students called for help and how rescuers recovered their bodies.
The fifth-grade class had spent the morning hiking at Macbride Nature Recreation Area in Iowa before stopping for lunch near the Coralville Reservoir, south of the Lake Macbride Spillway. During the break, Ahmed stepped into water flowing down the spillway, slipped on the rocks and fell into the reservoir, according to an October 23 update from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by People.
Jorgensen immediately jumped into the water to rescue her student. She left her phone on the shore and instructed the children to call 911. One student used her phone to contact emergency services, while others alerted a bystander across the spillway. The man entered the water in an attempt to help but could not reach either victim. He returned safely to shore and stayed with the children until first responders arrived. School staff later took the students back to campus.
Emergency crews received the call at approximately 12:10 p.m. on September 22. Jorgensen’s body was recovered at 12:43 p.m., and authorities pronounced her dead at the scene. Search teams continued looking for Ahmed, whose body was found the following day, September 23, at 1:24 p.m. Investigators interviewed the 13 students who witnessed the incident and the bystander who attempted the rescue. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Ahmed’s death devastated his family, who had not expected to lose him so young. His father, Mohamed Osman, 59, spoke about the loss, saying, “We didn’t believe he would leave us this soon,” adding that his son had left behind “a lot of dreams.” The family is now mourning a child whose future was cut short at just 10 years old.
The Iowa City Community School District also mourned the deaths of the teacher and student, both of whom were valued members of its community. In a statement, the district said their loss was being felt at Borlaug Elementary School and throughout the district. Officials extended their condolences to the families, Jorgensen’s colleagues and students, Ahmed’s classmates and friends, and everyone affected by the tragedy. The investigation continues as the school community grieves the two deaths.