From Valleynewslive · · 1m 20s
College student rescues autistic boy from swift creek
A quick-thinking Carson-Newman University junior spotted a 3-year-old clinging to a branch in fast-moving water and pulled him to safety.
In brief
A quick-thinking Carson-Newman University junior spotted a 3-year-old clinging to a branch in fast-moving water and pulled him to safety. Noah Mathews' immediate action to enter the rushing water and extract the boy likely prevented a drowning. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
College student spots boy in danger
Noah Mathews, a junior at Carson-Newman University, was walking near a creek on campus Monday afternoon when he noticed something unusual in the water.
A 3-year-old clinging to a branch
As Mathews got closer to the creek's edge, he saw a 3-year-old boy with autism gripping a tree branch in the fast-moving current.
Mathews acts without hesitation
He knew he had to move fast. Mathews lowered himself into the rushing water, positioned himself carefully, and pulled the boy out to safety.
“My immediate thought was just to get him out of that area, so he didn't fall in and get swept downstream or drown possibly.”
Waiting for help to arrive
After pulling the boy from the water, Mathews called campus security and sat with him on a nearby bench, turning on cartoons to keep him calm until Jefferson City Police arrived.
Police credit Mathews with saving life
Officers say the boy had wandered away from his home. They credit Mathews' quick thinking and selfless actions with likely preventing a tragedy.
Boy reunited with his mother
Police checked the 3-year-old for injuries and reunited him with his mother. Mathews said he hopes the boy knows he's being looked after.
“I would want him to know that God is looking out for him, and I hope that he can walk through life knowing that.”
What to remember
Noah Mathews' immediate action to enter the rushing water and extract the boy likely prevented a drowning.
