In the summer of 2015, the Sullenger family was looking forward to a quiet, relaxing evening. Ashley Sullenger and her husband, Patrick, had planned a rare date night. Their 18-month-old daughter, Preslee, was left in the care of her grandparents, playing with her cousins and other children at the in-laws’ home. It was meant to be an ordinary night — filled with laughter, warmth, and family. But in a matter of seconds, their lives would be forever changed.

A Moment That Changed Everything

While Ashley and Patrick were on their way back to pick up Preslee, Patrick received an urgent phone call. A police officer, an acquaintance from his past, told him their daughter had been airlifted to the hospital. Panic instantly overtook the excitement of their evening. Their hearts raced as they sped to the hospital, unsure what awaited them.

When they arrived, a doctor delivered the nightmare they feared. Preslee had fallen into a nearby canal and had been submerged in the water for an unknown amount of time. Her tiny body had been underwater, and every second counted. The doctors worked tirelessly to save her, but the uncertainty of her condition weighed heavily on Ashley and Patrick.

Minutes turned into hours. The hospital room was filled with the frantic efforts of medical professionals, each one doing everything possible to save their daughter. When Preslee’s heartbeat was finally detected, there was a brief glimmer of hope — a fragile flicker in the midst of overwhelming fear.

The Heartbreaking Decision

After six days in the hospital, the Sullengers faced the unimaginable. Doctors informed them that Preslee had no brain activity and would never regain it. With hearts breaking, Ashley and Patrick made the most painful decision any parent could face: to say goodbye.

Preslee passed away in her mother’s arms the following day. Ashley recalls the sheer agony of holding her child, knowing that the little life she nurtured and loved so deeply would never continue. The grief was compounded by the shocking realization of how quickly the accident had occurred.

How It Happened

Despite multiple adults being present that evening, Preslee had slipped unnoticed into the canal. It was a simple moment of distraction — one second of inattention — but it was enough. Fortunately, Preslee’s uncle, aware of the canal, began searching and found her in time. He immediately performed CPR, and an ambulance was called. Without his quick thinking, Preslee’s body might never have been recovered.

This tragedy taught the Sullengers a painful but vital lesson: drowning can happen silently, in mere seconds, and often without warning.

Turning Grief into Advocacy

In the aftermath, Ashley channeled her grief into raising awareness about water safety. She became passionate about educating families on the dangers that often go unnoticed. “It only takes a few seconds,” she explains. “One moment of distraction can change everything.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under five. Many accidents happen quietly, without splashing or noise, making vigilance the only reliable safeguard.

A Mission to Protect Other Children

Ashley and Patrick have since overhauled their family’s approach to water safety. No longer do they assume someone else is watching the children, even for a minute. Their other children are never left unattended near pools, ponds, or canals. Safety is now a conscious, constant priority.

Through her advocacy, Ashley has created a guide on water safety, sharing tips that she and other grieving parents have learned through heartbreak. Her goal is not to instill fear but to empower families with knowledge, helping them prevent accidents before they happen.

Key Water Safety Lessons

Ashley’s recommendations are simple yet powerful:

• Always supervise children around water, even for a brief moment.

• Learn CPR and basic rescue techniques; quick action saves lives.

• Secure water areas, including pools and canals, with barriers or gates.

• Avoid distractions, such as phones or other tasks, when children are near water.

• Educate children about water safety from a young age.

These precautions, while seemingly small, can prevent tragedies like Preslee’s. Ashley emphasizes that vigilance is the most effective tool parents have to protect their children.

Remembering Preslee

Despite their loss, Ashley and Patrick honor Preslee’s memory every day. They share her story with others, hoping to save even one child from a similar fate. “Every child deserves a chance to play and explore the world around them,” Ashley says. “But it’s up to us as parents to protect them.”

Preslee’s short life continues to inspire countless families. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and why constant attention is critical around water.

Spreading Awareness

Ashley’s mission goes beyond her family. She speaks at community events, shares advice online, and collaborates with organizations focused on child safety. By sharing her experience, she creates a ripple effect of awareness that reaches parents, caregivers, and communities.

Her advocacy underscores a simple truth: drowning is preventable. Awareness, preparation, and vigilance are key. One child’s life lost can become a catalyst for change, helping families protect countless others.

A Legacy of Love and Vigilance

While nothing can replace Preslee, her life has left a lasting impact. Ashley and Patrick continue to educate, advocate, and share their story, ensuring that parents understand the quiet dangers lurking near water. Their hope is that no family has to endure the pain they felt.

“Even as we grieve, we want Preslee’s story to save lives,” Ashley says, her voice a mix of sorrow and determination. “If sharing her story prevents even one child from drowning, then her memory lives on in the most meaningful way.”

A Call to Action

Preslee’s story reminds us all to be mindful, vigilant, and proactive. Water is beautiful, but it is also dangerous. Supervision, education, and awareness are the first lines of defense.

Parents, caregivers, and communities are encouraged to:

• Never leave children unattended near water.

• Learn CPR and emergency response.

• Secure potentially hazardous areas.

• Spread awareness of water safety.

By taking these steps, we honor Preslee and ensure that her story serves as a life-saving lesson for others.

The tragedy of Preslee’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly accidents can happen. But it is also a story of courage, awareness, and advocacy. Ashley Sullenger has transformed her grief into a mission, educating families about the importance of vigilance around water.

Through her efforts, countless children and families can stay safe. Preslee’s memory continues to inspire change, reminding us all that even a few seconds of inattention can be life-changing, but with awareness and care, tragedies can be prevented.

Ashley’s story is a call to action — a plea for vigilance, a testament to a mother’s love, and a lasting legacy for her daughter. “We will always miss her,” Ashley says, with a tearful smile. “But if sharing her story can help save even one child, then it will all be worth it.”