Woman in coma after trying to save golfer Brian Harman’s 6-year-old son from drowning
former british open champion Brian Harman A close family friend of the golfer’s season ended with a heavy heart after he nearly drowned while trying to save the golfer’s 6-year-old son and remains in a coma.
Harman competed in the Macau Open last month while his wife vacationed in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with their children and family friend Cathy Dowdy. He said his son was swept out to sea by a rip current while on his surfboard.
He said Dowdy followed the child into the ocean and was unable to reach him when she began struggling in the unusually strong current. Harman said another man, Crane Cantrell, saw what was happening and went in to help.
“He’s OK, but Cathy was seriously injured in the water,” Harman said Tuesday at the RSM Classic. “She’s been in a coma for six weeks, so obviously our world has changed here.”
saint john citizen report A lifeguard pulled Dowdy from the water and performed life-saving measures until medical help arrived.
Matt York/AP
“I don’t really know what I want to say other than to use whatever platform I have to bring awareness to what Cathy and Crane did,” Harman told reporters at a news conference. “They had no regard for anything. Everything, jumping into the water, saving my son, how can you thank someone like that? I don’t know, I can only tell you what you think.”
“I think being brave and doing something like this for someone who’s not of your blood is the most beautiful thing you can do in your life.”
As of Thursday, a GoFundMe set up for Dowdy’s family had raised more than $80,000. Dowdy is in critical condition at the Mayo Clinic, the page said.
“Funds raised will be used to pay for a hotel room, possible extended stay, food and gas,” the GoFundMe said. “We hope they feel comfortable and supported while Cathy is back with us.”
last year, Harman wins British Open. The 36-year-old became the oldest first-time major champion since Sergio Garcia won the Masters in 2017 at the age of 37.
