# 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.
- Title: College student rescues autistic boy from swift creek
- Summary: 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'…
- Keywords: noah mathews, carson-newman university, jefferson city tennessee, rescue, autism, creek rescue, child safety, swift water, news, local, College, student
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/17/college-student-saves-3-year-old-boy-with-autism-clinging-branch-swift-water
- Published: 2026-09-17T07:41:27.412+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: noah mathews, carson-newman university, jefferson city tennessee, rescue, autism, creek rescue, child safety, swift water, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Noah Mathews' immediate action to enter the rushing water and extract the boy likely prevented a drowning.