After a drowning incident in Cumberland County close to three weeks ago nearly claimed his life, 1-year-old Samuel Neal arrived back home this morning with his parents after being in East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

His mother, Lacie Neal, said Samuel has been a trooper.

“I continue to praise God for his mercy and all the miracles he has performed in Samuels life. My faith has for sure been put to the test and I hope I have not let him down. I am totally completely beyond excited but also scared. I haven’t been home since the accident so I’m sure there will be a mix box of emotions going on. I can’t wait to squeeze my other babies and never let them go,” said Lacie.

It was three weeks ago tomorrow (May 1, 2021) Samuel accidentally fell into a koi pond on the family residence property on Potato Farm Road. (The pond has since been filled in with cement).

“It happened so fast and it was about 24 inches deep at most. Many wouldn’t think something like this could happen in a short pond but it can and will,” said John Neal, Samuel’s father. “His lungs filled up fast with water.”

Samuel was quickly pulled out and Lacie and John were on the phone with a 911 dispatcher being instructed on how to administer CPR to their son. Emergency medical crews and deputies quickly arrived at the residence and continued to work on Samuel who was showing no signs of life.

Suddenly, a faint heartbeat was picked up in Samuel and Lifestar was immediately called to land in a field next to the home to take him to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

Doctors had many concerns at first but Samuel responded favorably to the treatments and started to slowly improve.

“We are so grateful to God for Him sparing Samuel’s life. We are also very thankful to everyone who prayed for his recovery,” said John Neal. “We never lost our faith and we never stopped praying for Samuel. So many others lifted up prayers for him. I know God told Samuel this was not his time and gave him back his life here and used the first responders and doctors to help him.”

Around 10 a.m. this morning, the staff of Merci Beauty Lounge off of West Avenue (where Lacie is employed) all greeted Samuel, John and Lacie as they stopped by before heading to their home. They held up signs, tears of joy flowed and Samuel saw the biggest smiles a child could see from anyone.

He has a lot of therapy to undergo which will take time.

But given what happened 20 days ago and knowing he was gone for a matter of a few minutes, this is not only a story of a comeback but a miracle and prayers answered plain and simple.

Welcome home Samuel!

The following pictures taken by 105.7 News:

Lacie Neal and Samuel this morning after arriving in Crossville.

The staff of Merci Beauty Lounge displaying signs as the Neal family arrived.

John Neal hugs one of the many who prayed for his son

Lacie Neal embraces of of her fellow employees after coming home today with Samuel.