Despite heroic efforts by Fall River personnel, man dies after being found in Taunton River

A man has died after Fall River crews attempted to locate and save him late last week.

According to a release issued by EMS Chief Bethann Faunce, on Friday, at approximately 11:15 a.m., “the Fall River Police Department’s Communications Center received a call reporting an individual potentially in need of medical attention in the area of 120 Charles Street in Fall River. 

“Based on the information received from the calling party, the dispatcher summoned units from the Fall River Police Department and Fall River Emergency Medical Services to attempt to locate this individual, while remaining on the line to obtain additional information. 

“Upon arrival of units from the Fall River Police Department and Fall River Emergency Medical Services, Officer Gregory Homan, Officer Juan Rodrigues and other Fall River Police officers, along with Paramedics Edward Holland and Mikayla Martinelli attempted to locate the individual. Employees from National Grid, located nearby, advised the police and paramedics that the individual appeared to be unsteady and was last seen walking near the end of Birch Street. 

“As they continued to search, Paramedic Holland and Officer Homan observed the individual floating face down in the Taunton River, approximately 30 yards from the shoreline. As Officer Homan began to remove his gear, Paramedic Edward Holland, a four-year veteran of the City of Fall River Emergency Medical Services, removed his radio, and without hesitation, entered the water, and began swimming toward the individual while Paramedic Martinelli summoned additional resources from the Fall River Fire Department. 

“Once Paramedic Holland had reached the individual, he performed a quick assessment in the water, turned the individual face-up, and swam the individual back to shore, where Officer Gregory Homan entered the water to assist Paramedic Holland with removing the individual from the water. 

“Despite the tragic result of this event, as the Chief of Fall River Emergency Medical Services, I wish to acknowledge the heroism and bravery demonstrated by Paramedic Edward Holland the morning of October 10, 2025. Relying on his experience as a swimmer, and an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of American, Paramedic Holland placed the value of preserving life safety above his own safety and acted with courage. 

“On behalf of all of Fall River’s public safety agencies, our condolences go out to this individual’s family and friends. I feel confident that we implored every resource available to save this individual’s life; however, Paramedic Holland’s actions during this event are nothing short of meritorious.”