A 24-year-old Iowa teacher is being remembered as a hero after she died while trying to save her 10-year-old student during a fifth-grade field trip.

Hannah Jorgensen, a fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary School in Iowa City, and her student, Ahmed Osman, died after an incident at Lake Macbride State Park near the Coralville Reservoir spillway.

Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Osman, said his son fell into the water during the school trip and Jorgensen went in after him in an attempt to save his life. Tragically, neither survived.

“We didn’t believe he would leave us this soon,” Osman said of his son. Ahmed, he added, left behind “a lot of dreams.”

First responders were called to the area shortly after noon on Tuesday, Sept. 22, following reports of people in the water. Jorgensen was recovered from the reservoir at 12:43 p.m. and pronounced dead at the scene.

Crews continued searching for Ahmed into the evening before suspending recovery efforts overnight. The search resumed the next morning, and his body was recovered at 1:24 p.m.

The tragedy unfolded during a School of the Wild field trip for Borlaug Elementary fifth graders at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area.

“Hannah and Ahmed were deeply valued members of our school district community, and their loss is being felt throughout Borlaug and across our district,” the Iowa City Community School District said.

The district said counselors and additional support personnel would remain available as students, teachers and families grieve.

Jorgensen is also being remembered for the impact she made on students before joining Borlaug Elementary. Garner Elementary, where she previously worked as a paraeducator and completed her student teaching, described her as a beloved member of its school community.

“Hannah’s calm presence, willingness to go above and beyond, and love for all students made Hannah an amazing person and educator,” the school said.

Hundreds gathered Thursday night for a vigil honoring Ahmed and Jorgensen. Members of the community also thanked the emergency personnel from more than a dozen agencies who took part in the search and recovery effort.

“We hope and pray as one community regardless of who we are,” one speaker said at the vigil.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also offered condolences, saying the “unimaginable loss” had touched the entire school community.

For Ahmed’s family, the grief is especially profound as they mourn a 10-year-old boy whose life held so much promise. For Jorgensen’s family, colleagues and students, there is also the knowledge that the young teacher reportedly spent her final moments trying to protect a child entrusted to her care.

Lord, please comfort the families of Ahmed and Hannah as they face unimaginable grief. Surround their classmates, students, friends and loved ones with Your peace and strength. Be especially near to those who witnessed this tragedy and to the first responders who worked tirelessly to bring them home. Amen.