KILGORE, Texas (KETK) – An East Texas 2-year-old is fighting for his life after a swimming accident that happened Sunday at a Kilgore hotel.

Luke Wayne Killough was about to go swimming with his 4-year-old sister Sunday at the Kilgore Holiday Inn and Suites. Then, Luke fell into the hot tub.

Luke’s sister Tabitha tried to save him, but was not able to. She ran and got her father, Scott Killough, who was nearby making a bottle for their baby. Dominique said that Tabitha told her father that her “boogie”, a nickname for her brother, was floating face-down in the hot tub.

According to the mother, Dominique, Scott raced over, pulled Luke from the water and performed CPR until medical services arrived. He also helped Luke throw up a banana nut muffin that had become stuck in his throat.

“A lot of people are praying. Stranger things have happened, and miracles are true and God is real.”

Scott Killough

Luke was life-flighted to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas and is in critical condition. He is currently on a ventilator on the lowest setting, as doctors are trying to let him breathe on his own.

Luke’s mother said her children are very careful around water and they know not to go in without floaties on.

East Texas swim instructors mentioned there are some techniques children as young as a few months old can learn so they can be safe near water.

“We teach people, children to master not just four feet of water but any depth,” said Sarah Ratliff, Swim instructor at Tyler Swim School.

The Kilgore Police Department said they are praying for Luke.

“This child has been in our prayers since the accident,” Chief Todd Hunter said in a statement on the Kilgore Police Facebook page. “We’ve been praying for the parents too. Nothing is more traumatic than a medical call with a child. As your Chief, I can assure you that KPD was the first on the scene and Veteran Police Sergeant, Vance Callahan, took over CPR from the father. This isn’t his first time administering CPR.”

Luke’s mother said that doctors told her that they will not know the full extent of the damage until 72 hours after the accident.

Luke’s uncle set up a GoFundMe for Luke’s medical expenses, and you can donate to it by clicking the button below.

The fundraiser has a goal of $50,000 and was created Monday afternoon.