A 10-year-old boy, Asher Sullivan, is being kept on life support to facilitate organ donation after tragically falling into a storm drain while helping his family clean up storm debris, his father revealed.

Asher "officially passed away" on May 18 but remains on life support to facilitate the organ donation process, his father, Jimmy Sullivan, shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. "It’s 100% an 'Asher' type thing to do in continuing to be selfless," Sullivan wrote. "He will have an honor walk at the hospital in the next few days and be celebrated as he is, a hero!"

The Accident

Asher, a fourth-grade student, was playing and assisting with cleanup efforts in his neighborhood in Christiana, Tennessee, about 45 miles southeast of Nashville, on May 8. Severe weather had caused significant damage, and the community was working together to clear debris. According to James Evans, the chief communications officer for Rutherford County Schools, Asher's father is the district's director of schools. "There was some standing water in their streets, and as the water started moving, Asher was sucked into a drain and pulled underground," Evans explained. "He was underground for 10 to 14 minutes."

Immediate Response

Bystanders quickly called 911. At approximately 4:20 p.m., a witness reported seeing someone fall from a cliff near the Oneonta Trailhead. Moments later, a second caller confirmed the fall and reported that bystanders were administering CPR on the victim. Emergency responders, including fire and rescue teams, arrived on the scene within minutes. Despite the immediate efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, Asher was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.

Medical Efforts and Support

Asher was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he received intensive medical care. His parents, Jimmy and Kaycee Sullivan, remained by his side throughout his hospitalization. Despite the efforts to save him, Asher never regained consciousness. Jimmy Sullivan, who has led Rutherford County Schools, a district with over 50,000 students, for two years, kept family and friends updated on Facebook. He shared the devastating news of Asher's anoxic brain injury, resulting from a lack of oxygen to the brain. In a recent post, Sullivan expressed the family's grief: "The feeling is surreal. Asher is officially 'deceased' with the lack of brain function, but due to organ donation, we are still in the room with him and his heart still beats."

Community Reaction

The Sullivan family, including middle-school-aged son Declan, who is now in remission from cancer, is well-loved in their community. Evans described Asher as a "fun-loving" kid who enjoyed traveling and outdoor activities with his family. "They’re good people," Evans said. "They’re one of those families that everyone loves."

The neighborhood, home to many Rutherford County Schools' teachers and students, was deeply affected by the accident. The school district closed schools for two days, and on May 9, over 500 people attended a prayer vigil for the family.

Honoring Asher

In the days following the accident, students and teachers wore green and blue, Asher's favorite colors, to honor him during end-of-year activities and graduations. "Everybody is just heartbroken," Evans shared. The outpouring of support for the Sullivans has been immense, with friends, family, and community members rallying around them.

Organ Donation Process

The family is supported by Tennessee Donor Services, coordinating the organ donation process so Asher can save other lives. "This is painful," Sullivan admitted. An honor walk is being planned at the hospital, where medical staff and loved ones will line the halls to honor Asher's selfless act as he is taken to the operating room for organ donation. This walk is a solemn and respectful tradition that celebrates the life-saving gifts he will be providing to others in need.

Safety Awareness

This tragic incident has also sparked conversations about storm drain safety and the importance of community awareness during severe weather cleanup. Parents are reminded to supervise children closely and educate them about the dangers of storm drains and fast-moving water.

Final Thoughts

Asher Sullivan's legacy will live on through the lives he will save with his organs. This incident underscores the profound impact one young life can have on a community and highlights the importance of organ donation in turning a tragedy into a legacy of hope and selflessness. The Sullivans' strength and grace during this unimaginably difficult time have been a testament to their character and the love they have for their son. As the community continues to support them, Asher's memory will remain a beacon of kindness and generosity.