Murfreesboro, TN – This community gathered strong Friday night (7/26/2024) at New Vision Baptist Church to honor Asher Sullivan, the 10-year-old son of Rutherford County School’s Director Dr. James Sullivan, wife Kaycee, and brother Declan. Those in attendance witnessed a family who was strengthened through the love of their son, and his love of life and helping others.
How?
How did the tragedy occur that brought-on this Celebration of Life? There was still daylight remaining when the tornadoes and floods passed through the quiet Christiana community on Wednesday evening, May 8, 2024. Neighbors were out helping each other clear debris and repair fences.
While that was happening, children were playing and Asher lost his shoe near a storm drain. He tried to retrieve it, but fell into the drain and the current pulled him under the roadway and out the other side.
Emergency responders were already on-the-scene, and Asher was given CPR and then rushed to the hospital. Ultimately, he was taken to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt where for the next 10-days everyone waited and wished for a miracle.
His father explained, "On Saturday, May 18, when Asher officially passed away..."
In earlier reports on WGNS, Dr. Sullivan explained that physicians were talking with them about making decisions that no family should ever have to face. They were out of the room, and Jimmy is convinced that Asher lovingly made the decision for them.
Lived and Loved Life
During Friday night’s (7/26/2024) Celebration of Life for Asher, the 10-year-old was pictured as a youngster who lovingly danced through life.
His mom, Kaycee, explained how Asher was so proud that he had visited all 50-states, 48 of the 63 national parks and 4 countries.
She tearfully proclaimed, “You will always be loved, always missed, and forever remembered.”
The family noted in the youngster’s obituary, “In Asher’s ten years on Earth, he lived more of a life than many who have an entire lifetime to experience the world.”
He continues by giving his body parts and bringing life to four others.
On May 25, 2024, WGNS shared a social media post from Dr. Sullivan, "Today we said goodbye to Asher after his honor walk for organ donation. We walked him through the fifth floor and to the elevators that go down to the OR. Asher gave the gift of organ donation to four others so he will live on in them. I will live my life to honor his spirit and to make sure he is never forgotten."
In Asher’s Celebration of Life this past Friday night, his family announced plans that they are in the process of setting-up a charity to help others while honoring Asher and his brother Declan, who had leukemia and is now in remission. Visit their GoFundMe account.
