Golfer Brian Harman’s Friend in Coma After Trying to Save His Son

Golfer Brian Harman’s Friend in Coma After Trying to Save His Son

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for human resilience and compassion, I am deeply moved by the selfless act of Brian Harman’s friend, Cathy Dowdy. Her heroic actions serve as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and love, especially when it comes to saving the life of another.


Brian Harman’s friend has his eternal gratitude.

Recently, the professional golfer revealed that their family friend, Cathy Dowdy – whom he refers to as “family” – heroically rescued his 6-year-old son and wife Kelly Van Slyke during an October visit to a beach in Florida. Unfortunately, Cathy has been in a coma since the incident.

Brian shared with reporters on November 19th that his son had been swept away by a strong rip current while boogie boarding with a close friend during a competition in China. He mentioned that Cathy subsequently entered the water to search for his son.

Additionally, Brian mentioned that when Cathy found difficulty reaching his son, a man named Crane Cantrell – who happened to be strolling on the beach – also ventured into the water to lend assistance. Brian added about the duo, “Crane managed to make it out safely, but Cathy suffered severe injuries. She’s been in a coma for approximately six weeks now, which has significantly disrupted our lives here.

The local newspaper, The St Johns Citizen, reports that a lifeguard managed to get Cathy ashore, where she underwent CPR before being transported to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

During his remarks, Brian shared his appreciation for the selfless actions of both Crane and Cathy.

Golfer Brian Harman’s Friend in Coma After Trying to Save His Son

In simpler terms, “He said, ‘I don’t know how to thank them, but I think what they did – putting themselves at risk, saving my child without any connection, is the most selfless and beautiful act I can imagine in life.’

Besides him being 37 years old, he additionally extended warm sentiments towards Cathy and her loved ones, particularly her spouse Mike Dowdy.

He mentioned that his friend is currently in Savannah, and they are keeping her in their thoughts. Despite the hardships they have faced together – Mike, Christina, and Nicole – they consider them as family, standing by them until the end. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported them during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe page established by Terri Langford, a friend of Cathy’s, stated that she was severely ill due to an unfortunate drowning incident on Sunday, October 13th in Ponte Vedra. The incident occurred as she tried to rescue a child who was in danger.

Golfer Brian Harman’s Friend in Coma After Trying to Save His Son

Further developments on Cathy’s page have regularly informed well-wishers about her condition. This includes the news that she has been transferred to a long-term care and rehabilitation facility in her home state of Georgia, and that the family has been heartened by positive signs like Cathy opening her eyes.

Lately, updates from November 9th and 18th indicate that medical staff are maintaining Cathy in a sedated state to stabilize her blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rhythm. This is done to prepare her for attempting to gradually remove her from the ventilator.

One update also expressed the family’s gratitude for the support they’ve received. As Mike, Cathy’s husband, wrote, “I want you all to know I read every comment and look at every one that ‘likes’ the updates. I don’t respond cause my screen gets wet and I can’t read to write. Thank you all for the prayers, the love and support!”

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2024-11-21 23:22