Family of boy, 10, swept away in storm drains say they’re ‘praying for a miracle’ after tragic incident

10-year-old Asher Sullivan was playing with his friends in the water on 8 May, the day that eventually saw deadly storms sweep parts of the United States.

And in an unpredictable and heartbreaking series of events, Asher was sucked into a storm drain.

After he emerged from a drainage ditch, multiple attempts of CPR took place before he was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.

Little Asher, from Tennessee, was severely harmed by the ordeal in what his parents have described as a 'worst-case scenario'.

Asher Sullivan was accidentally sucked into a storm drain on 8 May. (Jimmy Sullivan/Facebook)

Asher is now in hospital with severely damaged lungs and minimal brain activity.

Asher's dad, Jimmy Sullivan, has been posting updates on social media as the local community and beyond have been extending their prayers and well wishes.

His dad has added that recovery is not likely, and shared the update: "He’s not in imminent danger at this very moment, but recovery does not seem possible.

Jimmy wrote in that post. "Please pray for our family and our sweet Asher. All positive neurological signs that they were seeing have stopped."

In a Facebook post on Monday (13 May), the distraught dad shared the heartbreaking update that he and his wife are met with a decision that 'that no parents should have to face'.

He continued: "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 are seeing with Asher each moment, we still were hoping against all odds. Unfortunately, the worst case scenario seemed to have come true."

Asher's dad, Jimmy Sullivan, is documenting the heartbreaking ordeal on Facebook. (Jimmy Sullivan/Facebook)

The community have rallied around the Sullivan family.

The day after the unspeakable ordeal, a prayer vigil was held for Asher, with a friend of the family, Karen V. Knox, saying: "Today we are coming to lift them up in prayer and to remember them and we are very grateful again for your presence and for your support.

"We ask that you continue over the next following days to remember Asher and the entire Sullivan family."

Hundreds gathered at the vigil and there was a rendition of 'Amazing Grace'.

Friends of Asher also played a community baseball game for him, as it is one of his favourite sports. The event aimed to raise money for his family.

There is also a GoFundMe that people can donate to which will 'help with food and travel as the family are away from home to be by Asher'.