On August 31, 2024, Asher was tubing with family on the Willamette River near Newberg, Oregon, when he suddenly became unconscious and unresponsive.
His family immediately sprang into action. After pulling Asher back into the boat, his mother began chest compressions, and his uncle continued CPR as they raced toward shore to meet first responders. Their quick action helped keep Asher alive until emergency crews could take over. He was transported in critical condition and later life-flighted to OHSU/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Doctors credited the immediate CPR performed by Asher’s family with helping save his life. His story is a powerful reminder that in a cardiac emergency, the actions taken by bystanders in the first few minutes can make all the difference.
Today, Asher is back doing what he loves, including playing competitive high school sports. Through #AsherStrong, Asher and his family now advocates for community CPR education, helping others understand how quickly an emergency can happen, how important it is for bystanders to be ready to act, and the critical importance of AEDs being accessible to bystanders in outdoor recreation spaces.