Nassau Grad Shocks TikTok With Dive Into Hudson River

WOODBURY, NY — When Syosset High School graduate Donna Paysepar dove into the Hudson River in front of Lady Liberty, she had a feeling it would make her famous. Paysepar, 20, of Woodbury, was on a boat ride with her family when they stopped to have lunch in front of the Statue of Liberty. It was there she got the idea to make a TikTok of her jumping into the water.

“I just had a feeling that this was a great idea,” Paysepar told Patch on Monday. The video spread like wildfire on social media, and her following has grown to over 10,000 on the popular video sharing app.

But the reception hasn’t all been positive.

Paysepar has been the target of numerous negative comments from naysayers, body-shamers and even people who called her "Ms. Yeast Infection" and "Ms. UTI." When asked about how she’s dealt with the negativity, Paysepar said she tries to remember that people who've been hurt often try to do the same to others.

"I try to keep out the negative and focus on the positive and remind myself that I’m the first person to do this," she said.

Other commenters expressed astonishment, pointing out the Hudson River’s association with raw sewage, dead bodies and years of pollution. One commenter said: “Have fun waking up with a third eyeball, an extra leg, an STD, and a rash." Another wrote: “The bodies are finally getting a visitor.”

Dozens of TikTok users filmed their reactions to Paysepar’s plunge alongside the original video using the app's "duet" feature.

In a follow-up TikTok, Paysepar said didn't realize the Hudson River had a bad reputation. Since the dive, she hasn't grown a third eye, sprouted tentacles, or even felt physically unwell. Even so, she plans to visit her doctor for a checkup.

Despite the comments and any potential risks of the swim, Paysepar said fame has made it all worthwhile.

“You know, there may be dead bodies in there, but I'm famous because of it," she said. "So it’s fine.”

See the video below.

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