RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (5/12): Jimmy Sullivan took to social media again on Sunday to provide a heartbreaking update on Asher's condition.
"Asher had a really really rough night. Neurological signs we were seeing as positives have stopped. He had some real tough moments with pulse, blood pressure, and breathing," Sullivan said. "MRI shows part of the brain herniating into his brain stem, and severe damage to just about all areas of his brain. Despite what we were seeing with Asher each moment, we still were hoping against all odds. Unfortunately, the worst-case scenarios seemed to have come true. He’s not in imminent danger at this very moment, but recovery does not seem possible."
Sullivan said he and his family have some impossible decisions to make in the coming days that no parent should have to face.
"Please pray for our family and our sweet Asher," said Sullivan.
This story will be updated when more information is available.
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UPDATE (5/11): Jimmy Sullivan has continued to provide updates on his son's condition through social media, announcing on Saturday that doctors said he would not survive his injuries.
Despite this update, Asher was sent in for an MRI on May 11, according to Sullivan.
"He’s back in the room," Sullivan said. "Results may not be known for a while. He has been breathing quite a bit for the last several hours. They had to use some sedation bc his breathing was causing him to move during the MRI. Praying for some hope. I love him so much!"
Sullivan also provided an extensive update early on Saturday morning before the MRI, announcing the doctor's current prognosis as well as asking for prayers in Asher's recovery.
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Editor's Note: This story was updated to reflect that the son of Jimmy Sullivan is 10 years old. It previously said he was 9 years old. Rutherford County Schools had originally released a statement identifying him as a 9-year-old.
The son of Jimmy Sullivan, Rutherford County director of schools, is fighting for his life after he fell into a storm drain and was swept under neighborhood streets during Wednesday’s severe weather.
According to a report from WSMV4 Nashville, Sullivan's son, Asher, is at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Sullivan said in a Facebook post that Asher tragically fell into the drain somehow while neighbors were helping pick up debris and putting fences back up from the storm. His son eventually got caught in the storm drain and was swept under the neighborhood streets.
Asher came out in a drainage ditch and CPR was administered for some time, according to Sullivan.
The 10-year-old’s heartbeat was eventually reestablished, however, the damage was substantial, Sullivan said. He’s currently at Vanderbilt after being transported from Ascension.
“His lungs are severely damaged, and he is not showing much brain activity outside of muscle jerks,” Sullivan said. “Specifically, pray for healing for his lungs and most importantly brain activity to occur.”
Rutherford County Schools released a statement, along with information about a prayer vigil for the community:
"There has been an outpouring of love and support from the community for Director Jimmy Sullivan, his family and specifically for his 10-year-old son, Asher. We've had many requests for people who want to assist, but what the family truly needs right now is tons of prayers.
We are organizing a voluntary prayer vigil for the community that will be held at the RCS District Office today at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and show support for the Sullivan family.
Jimmy has shared the details about Asher's current condition on his personal Facebook page. Asher was severely injured last night after the storms when he was swept into a storm drain in their neighborhood. He is receiving medical care at Vanderbilt, but he is in bad shape and the family needs a miracle."