A FEARLESS five-year-old boy is being hailed a hero after plunging into freezing waters to save his younger brother – only to be left fighting for his own life.

Ashkan Thibodeaux, known as Ash, had been playing by a creek when his younger brother Wyatt dramatically fell into the icy water.

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A heroic five-year-old boy jumped into icy waters and saved his little brother after he fell into a creekCredit: GoFundMe
 

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Ash (right) is now fighting for his own life in hospital after saving his brother Wyatt (left)Credit: CaringBridge
 

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The five-year-old was placed on temporary life support for more than 24 hoursCredit: CaringBridge
Without a moments hesitation, brave Ash leapt in after him in a bid to save the youngster.

Battling the bitter cold, the selfless saviour managed to guide his brother back to safety – but in a cruel turn, he was unable to pull himself out.

The terrifying ordeal unfolded in Itasca County, Minnesota, on Easter Sunday.

Trapped in the freezing creek, Ash struggled to keep his head above the water as the seconds ticked by.

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Emergency crews from the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office raced to the scene, pulling the unresponsive child from the water.

First responders performed CPR for more than six hours as Ash was airlifted to a Minneapolis hospital, according to his Caring Bridge page.

His father, Nick Adams, wrote: “Hundreds of people did everything they could for Ash over this period of time and our family is so grateful.”

The five-year-old was placed on temporary life support for more than 24 hours as doctors battled to stabilise him.

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Against the odds, his body slowly began to respond.

Since then, his father has been sharing emotional updated on his son’s fragile but remarkable progress.

In a recent post, he revealed the powerful wave of support surrounding the young fighter.

He wrote: “Go Ash, Go has become a common phrase at the Minnesota Children’s Hospital, in messages from friends and family, in the halls of his school and around the community we live in. To even be where we are today with Ashkan is a miracle, and it looks like the miracle is still unfolding.

“After yesterday’s surgery, Ashkan’s platelets have rallied and are in normal range and his kidneys are being resilient enough to not need more dialysis at this point.

“Heart rate, blood pressure and temperature are normal and his bowel output is already strong enough that he can begin tube feeding – huge steps that feel like they’ve taken forever from here, but have come very quickly considering what he’s been through.

“After being taken off of sedation, Ash quickly began moving ALL of his body parts on his own and this afternoon during occupational therapy, Ashkan was sitting up, following commands, tracking people in the room, lifting his butt and legs up to help change bedding, and he nearly delivered a successful high-5.

“Speech therapy started this afternoon as well (despite Ash still being intubated) and he was able to produce a small sound.

“Despite the intense pain medication he still requires, we are seeing more and more of the Ashkan we know come out in small ways. We’re praying that we keep seeing Ash emerge each day.”

Earlier this month, on April 7, Ash endured major surgery to remove severely damaged parts of his digestive organs – another brutal hurdle in his fight for survival.

After the operation, his father admitted: “It has been a hard week and we are so hopeful by the signs Ash is showing us. His nurses and doctors have been incredible at keeping Ash as comfortable as possible – and keeping us confident.

“This is all scary stuff for a five-year-old and he’s been fighting on bravely day after day.”

Back home, the tight knit community has rallied around the young hero.

Ash plays hockey with the Greenway Mini Mites, and fellow parents have mobilised in force to support his devastated family.

Team mum Kayla Swanson said:  “As soon as we got word of the news on Ash our mini mite moms teamed up and were on it – brainstorming ways we can support this family.”

She added: “It’s just what we do in this small town – stick together. That’s why we thought ‘stick together for Ash’ was very fitting.

“Ash has overcome all odds.”

A fundraiser selling grey T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Stick together for Ash” has already gained huge traction, with hundreds sold.

Local businesses have also stepped in, donating clothing and stickers to boost the effort.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has raised more than $40,000 to help cover mounting medical costs.

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Swanson said: “Ash is a warrior – with a very long road ahead and we need to focus on prayers for this sweet boy and ways to support them.

“Ash’s fight is not over, there are still many obstacles for him to overcome. But he is stable at this time and not giving up.”

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First responders performed CPR for more than six hours as Ash was airlifted to a Minneapolis hospitalCredit: GoFundMe
 

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Ash also plays hockey with a team who have mobilised in force to support his devastated familyCredit: GoFundMe
 

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His father has been sharing emotional updated on his son’s fragile but remarkable progress.Credit: GoFundMe