Model and ‘Devoted’ Mother, 31, Dies After Vehicle Falls into Icy River: ‘A Beacon of Grace’

A western Pennsylvania community is grieving after Jacinta Stevens, a 31-year-old mother and well-known figure in the local fashion scene, died following a crash that sent her vehicle into the ice-covered Monongahela River.

Stevens’ vehicle struck a snowbank and went over a concrete barrier before landing in the river in Pittsburgh on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 29, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, citing Pennsylvania State Police.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said responders arrived around 4:30 p.m. and found the vehicle had gone through the ice roughly 50 feet from shore, according to a Jan. 30 release. After determining no one had exited the vehicle, officials deployed a dive team. Less than an hour after the car entered the water, the team located Stevens—described by the agency as an adult female—brought her to the surface, and began emergency medical care.

Authorities performed resuscitation as Stevens was in cardiac arrest and transported her to a hospital in critical condition. She died a short time later, Pittsburgh Public Safety said.

The department described the response as “extremely complex,” involving advanced cardiac life support along with technical rope rescue, ice rescue, and dive rescue operations. Officials said nearly 50 responders were involved in the rescue effort.

Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation into what caused the incident.

Stevens leaves behind two children, according to a GoFundMe created to help cover funeral expenses and support her family. The fundraiser describes her as “a devoted mother” to an 11-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter, and “the heart of our family.”

She also worked as a housing specialist at the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and was active in the Johnstown, Pa., fashion community as a model.

In a statement, HACP Chief Community Affairs Officer Michelle Sandidge said Stevens brought warmth and energy to the organization and was remembered for her “infectious smile” and the way she sincerely cared for others. Sandidge added that Stevens carried herself with “nothing but class,” and offered condolences to her loved ones as they grieve.

Johnstown Fashion Week also shared a tribute on Facebook on Jan. 30, calling Stevens a “true icon” and praising her grace, professionalism, and commitment to uplifting local talent. The organization said her legacy would endure in the community she helped inspire.

In one of her final Facebook posts, shared Jan. 11, Stevens wrote: “Appreciate the little things while they last 🤍.”