Golfer Brian Harman reveals 6-year-old son nearly drowned in scary incident that left friend in coma

Brian Harman Reflects on Heroic Rescue of Son and Friend’s Tragic Coma After Near-Drowning Incident

Professional golfer Brian Harman opened up this week about a deeply emotional incident that shook his family last month. His 6-year-old son, Walter, narrowly escaped drowning during a family trip, while a courageous family friend who attempted to save him remains in a coma.

The tragic event occurred on October 13 while Harman’s wife, Kelly Van Slyke, and their three children—8-year-old Cooper, 6-year-old Walter, and 2-year-old Jack—were vacationing in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Harman himself was away at the time, competing in an Asian Tour golf event in China.

Walter had been bodyboarding near the shore when a powerful rip current pulled him into deeper waters. Family friend Cathy Dowdy, from Brunswick, Georgia, witnessed the boy in distress and rushed into the ocean in an effort to save him. However, she struggled against the strong current and could not reach him.

In a moment of remarkable selflessness, another bystander, Crane Cantrell, also entered the dangerous waters after observing the terrifying situation. Cantrell successfully reached Walter and brought him back to safety, but the rescue attempt came at a significant cost. Dowdy, despite her valiant effort, was left critically injured.

A lifeguard pulled Dowdy from the water and immediately administered CPR until emergency responders arrived. She was rushed to the hospital but has remained in a coma since the incident. Dowdy was later transferred to a medical facility in Savannah, Georgia, where her family continues to hold vigil.

Speaking at a press conference during the RSM Classic golf tournament in Georgia on Wednesday, Harman expressed his deep gratitude and admiration for the heroic actions of both Dowdy and Cantrell.

“Obviously, our world down here was kind of turned on its head,” Harman shared. “I don’t really know how to adequately express my gratitude other than to say how remarkable their bravery was. They disregarded their own safety to save my son, and how do you thank people like that? I think what Cathy and Crane did is the most beautiful expression of selflessness and courage anyone can offer in this life.”

Harman acknowledged the gravity of Dowdy’s condition, describing her as “still hurt real bad” and revealing that the family has been in constant thought and prayer for her recovery. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with Dowdy’s medical expenses, raising over $80,000 as of Wednesday night.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us,” Harman said. “Cathy’s bravery is beyond words. She put her life on the line for my son. We’re keeping her and her family in our hearts every single day.”

Harman, who won the Open Championship in 2023, has been married to Kelly Van Slyke since December 2014. The couple welcomed their first child, Cooper Marie, in 2016, followed by Walter in 2019 and Jack in September 2022.

As the Harman family continues to process the traumatic event, they remain focused on supporting Dowdy and her family while cherishing the second chance given to their son. Harman emphasized the importance of using his platform to shed light on acts of heroism and selflessness, urging others to recognize and honor such sacrifices.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of rip currents and the extraordinary courage of those who risk their lives to save others.