Mom Who Died Saving Son Kept Him Above Water Until Rescue

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — As a Colorado mother enjoyed a family boat trip across Lake Powell's summer waters, she heard a scream and splash as her 2-year-old son slipped off their houseboat and into the water.

Chelsey Russell, a 35-year-old mother of two from Lakewood, jumped in to rescue her son.

She managed to keep the boy above water for at least five agonizing minutes until a family member was able to pull him safely out the water, but she lost her life in the process.

Chelsey Russell (credit: Wellborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley)

San Juan County Sheriff Rick Eldredge says bystanders performing CPR were not able to save Russell on Tuesday.

Her co-workers at Denver law firm Wellborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley remembered her Friday as "superstar" attorney, marathon runner and mother.

Lake Powell is in Utah and Arizona.