Peter Asumani's teacher worried when a student didn't show up for school for four days.

As it turns out, the 10-year-old wasn't cutting class -- he was saving his father's life.


Peter cared for his father, Bienvenu Asumani, 45, for ten days after the older man slipped on a wet floor and was unable to get up, the Lincoln Journal Star reported.

Police found the boy and his father at their home in Lincoln, Neb., after Jeff Rust, the principal from Hartley Elementary School, called to report Peter's four-day absence.

In an affidavit filed with Lancaster County Juvenile Court, Investigator Cynthia Koenig-Warnke said she found Bienvenu Asumani lying on a footstool inside his home, unable to speak or answer questions, but his eyes were open and he was breathing.

According to court documents, Peter told Koenig-Warnke he had given his father food and fluids for more than a week after he fell, unable to move or use the bathroom. Peter told officials he was unable to communicate with his father.

Reports said it was unclear if the boy was aware of the 911 emergency phone system or if he tried to get help from a neighbor. Father and son live alone: Peter told police his mother lives in Africa and their closest relatives are in Arizona.

Bienvenu Asumani was transferred to Bryan Medical Center for treatment.

Judge Linda Porter granted permission to place Peter with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services while his father is treated.