Asher Sullivan: Tennessee boy injured after being swept into a storm drain as father prays for 'miracle'

CHRISTIANA, TENNESSEE: A Tennessee father is left devastated and is hoping for a "miracle" after his youngest son was swept into a storm drain on Wednesday, May 8. Jimmy Sullivan, the Director of Schools at Rutherford County, made a Facebook post on Thursday, May 9, saying that his son Asher, 10, was "involved in a tragic event" following a storm.

Sullivan wrote that somehow Asher "got caught" in a storm drain and "was swept under the neighborhood streets."

Asher Sullivan's father says his son suffered a 'substantial' damage

"He eventually came out in a drainage ditch and CPR was administered for quite some time. His heartbeat was reestablished but the damage is substantial," Jimmy Sullivan wrote, adding that his son's "lungs are severely damaged and he is not showing much brain activity outside of muscle jerks."

"Pray for healing for his lungs and most importantly brain activity to occur," he further said, adding "Asher needs a miracle."

Asher Sullivan is currently in a critical condition

Asher is currently at Vanderbilt Medical Center in stable but critical condition, as per WGNS. A neighbor told WSMV that Asher was trying to grab his shoe when he got swept into the drain and that 50 people, including first responders, were at the scene. 

Rutherford County Schools also shared the news to its own Facebook page, writing that there's been "an outpouring of love and support from the community" and that Asher's family needs "tons of prayers" amid the tragedy. A community prayer vigil will be taking place at the RCS District Office at 2 pm local time with all "welcome to attend and show support."

RCS also shared on Facebook that all schools were closed on Thursday, May 9, citing "several flooding issues tonight, several areas without electricity and several trees down that will impact buses" in the areas of Eagleville and Christiana.

Over 200,000 customers were without power across Tennessee, North and South Carolina and Georgia as of 8 am ET on Thursday, May 9, and that at least three people died in a 24-hour span amid severe weather conditions within those states. Two of those deaths took place in Tennessee, NBC News reports.

Internet prays for Asher Sullivan's speedy recovery

Internet users also sent their prayers to Asher and his family during their difficult time. One Facebook user commented, "So grateful to live and teach in a county that allows prayer to be a calmer to the storms. Lifting up the Sullivan family! " Another wrote, "Absolutely Devastating. My heart is with the family." "This family has already endured so much! Please God, grant the Sullivan’s this miracle," wrote another user. 

"I am proud to be in a community where our school system will publicly acknowledge our need for prayer and God’s help! We are praying!" penned one while another commented, "Praying God will breathe into Asher’s lungs and heal him from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Praying God will perform a miracle and receive the glory!" 

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