Image: Facebook / Azaryah Hope, the 3-year-old boy who nearly drowned last week in a traumatic incident at Cultus Lake's main beach, has been breathing on his own and is expected to live, according to an update from his great aunt, Jenni McGrew, who is posting regular updates to social media.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Near-drowning victim making progress

Cultus Lake boy who nearly drowned is breathing on his own, expected to live

Jun 5, 2023 | 7:57 PM

CHILLIWACK — The 3-year-old Cultus Lake boy who suffered a near-drowning last Thursday (June 1) at Cultus Lake is now breathing on his own and is expected to live.

In an online update posted Monday, Azaryah Hope’s great aunt Jenni McGrew says the boy is now breathing on his own.

“Hey, we wanted to share some good news with you,” McGrew said in her video late Monday afternoon. “The good news, first, is that Ryah has been breathing on his own today. This is awesome. This is a massive step forward, just a little bit of help from the ventilator. He is breathing on his own, and we want to say thank you, Jesus.”

McGrew went on to say that Azaryah is expected to live.

“The other amazing news, as we sat down with the neurologists and specialists today, is that Ryah is gonna live,” McGrew said.

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Image: Jenni McGrew via Instagram / Abbotsford pastor Jenni McGrew, the great aunt of Azaryah Hope, says the 3-year-old has been breathing on his own and is expected to live, in consultation with doctors and specialists at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. She posted an update on Instagram Monday about Azaryah’s condition following last week’s near-drowning accident at Cultus Lake.

Doctors continue to assess how his cognition and physical function will be affected by this incident.

A GoFundMe has raised over $13,500 through 130 donations for Azaryah’s parents, Cam and Natalie, to stay in temporary accommodations in Vancouver and cover related expenses.

According to the fundraising campaign’s post started by McGrew, the fundraising campaign was meant to provide the family with financial support as their stay in Vancouver could be longer than anticipated.

“This could be a longer stay than anticipated for the Hope family so your support is super helpful and appreciated to help make the load feel a little lighter,” McGrew wrote.

At around 6 p.m. on Thursday evening (June 1), the 3-year-old boy nearly drowned close to main beach at Cultus Lake, prompting an emergency response from Cultus Lake firefighters who attempted to resuscitate him. Later, an air ambulance arrived at Cultus Lake Community School to transport the boy to hospital.

“He was immediately airlifted to Children’s Hospital where he remains under the watch and care of the incredible doctors and nurses on staff,” McGrew wrote on GoFundMe. “Ryah also remains covered by the many prayers of his parents, family, friends and people around our province and nation. We are standing to see a miracle for his full recovery.”

Parents Cam and Natalie have been staying in a rented room while Azaryah recuperates.

“If you are able to support them financially at this time we are collecting funds to help pay for their hotel this week and any food expenses they incur,” McGrew wrote. “We’ve rented them a room with a kitchenette so they’re able to prepare meals and eat as healthy as possible to sustain themselves for the long run if need be. Your encouragement has been such a strength. From the bottom of our heart our entire family humbly says, ‘thank you.'”

The GoFundMe link can be found here.