New Tazewell, TN -- Lincoln Memorial University Track and Field athlete Asher Hatfield recently demonstrated heroic quick thinking and leadership when he helped save the life of a young man experiencing a medical emergency at the New Tazewell City Pool. During a pool party, Hatfield, along with his friends John Owens and Noah Chumley, quickly recognized the signs of distress in the water and immediately stepped in to intervene. Hatfield pulled the young man from the pool and provided immediate care until first responders arrived, ensuring the victim was safely transferred to the local hospital where he later made a full recovery.

Recalling the incident, Hatfield shared that a group of kids were playing "watermelon ball" when he and his friends noticed a young man holding up the victim and calling his name, signaling that something was wrong. Hatfield immediately blew his whistle to halt all activity in the pool, pulled the victim out of the water, and directed Owens and Chumley to contact emergency services. Hatfield then administered a sternum rub, causing the young man to begin coming to and speaking briefly just as the ambulance arrived on the scene.

City Recorder Cyndi Chumley praised Hatfield for his exceptional character, noting that he is a phenomenal young man, a wonderful leader, and a terrific lifeguard manager who is loved by everyone, amazing with kids, and extremely attentive on the job, saying "He (Hatfield) is a phenomenal young man and a wonderful leader. He has served as our lifeguard manager this year and has done an absolutely terrific job. Everyone loves him. He is very fun and does amazing with the kids. At the same time, he maintains his professionalism and is extremely attentive. I can't say enough about him". In recognition of their life-saving response, the trio was awarded certificates of outstanding courage and dedication by the City of New Tazewell and Mayor Stan Leonard.

Lincoln Memorial Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Jeff Kavalunas expressed complete pride upon hearing of Hatfield's quick actions, stating that he was not surprised in the slightest because of Hatfield's character, adding that he is a hard worker, a tremendous leader, and an all-around selfless individual who is always eager to lend a hand. "I am not surprised in the slightest," said Kavalunas with a proud smile. "He is just that type of young man. He is always willing to volunteer or lend a hand. He is a tremendous leader. He is just a tremendous individual all-around. He's a hard worker and will do anything to help anyone. I am not surprised by this in the slightest. We're very proud of him".

Upon learning that the young man had made a full recovery, Hatfield expressed immense relief and happiness, noting how good it felt to help and how proud his mother, who recently earned a degree in home health and healthcare, was of his actions. Ever humble, Hatfield extended his sincere gratitude to (Cyndi) Chumley for giving him the opportunity to serve the community in a position where he could make a life-saving difference, saying: "We noticed a young man holding his friend up, saying his name, and quickly realized something was wrong. We immediately began to get him out of the water. I blew my whistle to halt all other action, got him out of the water, and directed John (Owens) and Noah (Chumley) to contact first responders. I administered a sternum rub and he began to come-to a little bit. He started talking to us a little bit and that's when the ambulance showed up to take him. I was very happy that he was okay," Hatfield added. "It feels really good to help. My mom just got her degree in home health and healthcare, and she was very proud of me and that felt really good. I really want to thank Cyndi (Chumley) for even allowing me the opportunity to be able to make a difference. I am very grateful."