SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Professional golfer Brian Harman revealed that a close family friend has been in a coma for weeks after trying to save his 6-year-old son from a near-drowning in October.
The British Open champion told reporters about the tragic incident Tuesday during a news conference at the RSM Classic.
Harman said his wife had taken their children and Cathy Dowdy, a family friend, to Ponte Vedra, Florida.
Harman's son was bodyboarding when he was taken out to sea by a rip current. Dowdy entered the water to try to save the child when she began to struggle in the strong current as well.
Harman said another beachgoer, a man named Crane Cantrell, saw what was happening and went in to help.
“He makes it out fine, Cathy (is) injured really badly in the water,” said Harman, who was in China for a golf tournament at the time. “She’s been in a coma for going on six weeks now and so obviously our world down here was kind of turned on its head.”
Harman said he decided to talk about what happened in an effort to bring awareness to what Dowdy and Cantrell did, and to ask for prayers and support.
"They disregarded theirselves and went into the water and saved my son, and how you thank people like that I don't know," Harman said. "I think that bravery and doing something like that for people who aren't your blood is just the most beautiful thing you can do in this life."
As of Friday, more than $88,000 has been raised for Dowdy, who is in a coma according to the GoFundMe page made for her.
The GoFundMe account said that the fundraiser was started to help support the Dowdy family with expenses like hotels rooms, possible long-term lodging, food and gas.
"We want them to be comfortable and supported for the time it takes for our Cathy to make it back to us," Terri Langford, the organizer of the account, said. "Above all, we ask you to continue to PRAY for a full recovery."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
