Family says boy hospitalized after near drowning in Eagle Mountain making progress but has long road to recovery
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- An undated photo shows Jason Thorpe, left, and his father, Jesse, right.
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- Jason Thorpe and his stepmother, Beth, are pictured in an undated photo.
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- Jason Thorpe is shown in this photo Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as he stands briefly with the help of his father, Jesse, right, and nurses.
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- Jason Thorpe, who nearly drowned Friday, May 23, 2025, in Eagle Mountain, is pictured in an undated photo.
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- Jason Thorpe is pictured in an undated photo.
Beth and Jesse Thorpe are expressing deep gratitude for the outpouring of support in the wake of their 12-year-old son’s near drowning accident last week.
On Friday evening, Jason Thorpe was celebrating the start of the summer after graduating sixth grade at Orem’s Northridge Elementary School with a friend at a home in Eagle Mountain when things took a frightening turn.
His stepmother, Beth Thorpe, said he was playing in a hot tub and at some point “there was a dare to see how long he could hold his breath underwater and it’s likely that he passed out,” she explained.
It’s unknown just how long Jason was underwater for, but quick thinking by the mother of the friend whom Jason was visiting saw that he was unresponsive and performed life-saving measures.
“We are incredibly grateful for Helena, the friend’s mother, who happens to be a nurse. She acted quickly and performed CPR on Jason,” Beth Thorpe said. “Words can’t express how thankful we are for her presence and response in that critical moment.”
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office said first responders and emergency medical services transported Thorpe to Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi, where he has undergone treatment in the intensive care unit. He was also sedated and put on a ventilator to help with his breathing.
“It has been one of the most terrifying, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking and emotionally exhausting times of our lives,” Beth Thorpe said. “No words can truly capture what it feels like to watch your child suffer and feel so helpless — to live moment to moment, praying for stability, for healing, for one more breath, one more miracle.”
As of Tuesday, Jason is showing some encouraging signs of progress, but at this point, it’s unclear when he will be able to go home.
“The good news is that he’s off the ventilator and breathing on his own,” she told the Daily Herald on Tuesday. “They’ve stopped sedation, though he’s still very sleepy and groggy as his body adjusts.”
Early Tuesday afternoon, Jason was able to stand for a brief time with some help from his father and nursing staff.
However, Beth said doctors are still assessing what Jason’s recovery may look like.
“As he becomes more alert, the medical team will be able to give us a clearer picture of what lies ahead. For now, he’s getting the rest his body so desperately needs to continue healing,” she said.
The recent life-threatening incident comes as trauma experts stress the importance of water safety amid the summer months.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drownings are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children ages 1 to 14.
As part of a list of summer safety tips, doctors at Intermountain Health encourage people to learn CPR and gain knowledge of other basic water rescue skills in an event the life-saving measure is needed.
Jason’s father, Jesse Thorpe, expressed gratitude for all who have helped.
“It can’t be said enough that the hospital staff, and neighbor nurse, Helena, are Godsends in watching over our little boy,” he said. “Words can’t express the thanks and love for them and everyone’s support!”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign was created by Karen Jensen, one of Thorpe’s teachers, to help his family cover medical expenses.
“His sudden accident has left his family and community in shock, rallying together to support him in this critical time,” the GoFundMe reads.
Beth Thorpe said this experience is one their family will never forget, and the kindness shown by so many in the community is not taken for granted.
“You have lifted us. You have helped us breathe when it felt impossible. You have reminded us that we are not alone,” she said.
