ITASCA COUNTY, MINNESOTA — A five-year-old boy jumped into an icy creek in Itasca County, Minnesota, on April 5 to rescue his younger brother and has since undergone critical medical treatment at Children's Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis. Ashkan Thibodeaux pulled his brother Wyatt from the frigid water after Wyatt slipped and fell in while the two were exploring the creek.

The high temperature in the area that day was about 41°F (5°C), according to information online. After removing Ashkan from the water, local first responders performed CPR, continuing the effort for six hours before he was flown to Children's Minnesota.

Hospital staff placed him on life support used for people with life-threatening heart or lung conditions. He underwent multiple surgeries to remove internal parts that had been irreparably damaged.

On April 10, his family was informed that he did not have major brain damage, though there were specks of it present. He was removed from life support by the fifth day of his hospital stay.

On April 11, Ashkan was able to move his legs and toes, communicate with head nods, and indicate frustration when episodes of the children's show Bluey were paused. A breathing tube had prevented him from talking, asking questions, and singing or humming. On Friday, medical staff removed the breathing tube, allowing him to make noises using his vocal cords.

On Sunday, a photo posted by Nick Adams showed Ashkan sitting in a large chair holding a stuffed toy, wearing a hospital gown and red grippy socks with a blanket over his lap. The Greenway Mini Mites youth ice hockey program made and sold $25 T-shirts reading "Stick together for Ash," with most proceeds to go to the family.