JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – A Carson-Newman University student is being credited with preventing a tragedy after rescuing a young child from the swift waters of Mossy Creek Monday afternoon.
According to the Jefferson City Police Department, officers and detectives responded shortly after 3:30 p.m. to the walking trail near Carson-Newman University’s baseball complex after receiving emergency calls about a child in the creek.
When first responders arrived, they found Carson-Newman student Noah Matthews on the bank with the 3-year-old boy, who had been pulled from the water moments earlier.
Police said Matthews was walking along the trail adjacent to Mossy Creek when he noticed something unusual in the water. As he moved closer, he realized a small child was clinging to a tree branch submerged in several feet of fast-moving water.
Authorities said Matthews immediately sprang into action, reaching into the creek and pulling the child from the current before calling 911.
“First responders on scene stated that Matthews’ selfless actions likely prevented a tragic outcome,” the Jefferson City Police Department said in a statement.
An investigation later revealed the child, who has special needs, had wandered away from a nearby residence before ending up in the creek.
Paramedics evaluated the boy at the scene and determined he was unharmed. Police then reunited him with his mother.
Officials praised Matthews’ quick thinking and willingness to act during a dangerous situation, noting that his actions likely saved the child’s life.
The incident remains under review, but authorities say the outcome could have been far different had Matthews not noticed the child and acted immediately.
