Brian Harman never imagined that his son would be in such danger, but tragically, his family friend, Cathy Dowdy, slipped into a coma after bravely trying to save Walter from drowning.
The professional golfer Brian Harman married Kelly Van Slyke in December 2014 after dating for several years.
Highlights
- Brian Harman’s family friend Cathy Dowdy tried to save Harman’s son, Walter, from nearly drowning.
- Dowdy, trying to save him, jumped in but got caught in the same strong current and struggled to swim.
- In response, people have expressed their feelings for the Harman family and pray that God will heal Dowdy and restore her to total health.
The couple had planned to marry in November, but they decided to delay the wedding because they figured most of their guests would be busy watching a Georgia vs. Auburn football game.
His wife, Kelly Van Slyke, graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2007 with a degree in Biology and hails from Syracuse, New York.
She initially worked as a Pilates instructor at Pilates Loft in Georgia but now works as a radiation therapist.
Brian and Kelly announced the arrival of their first child, Copper Marie Harman, in June 2016. Their second child, Walter, was born in 2019, and their third child, Jack, in 2022.
Family Friend Cathy Steps In To Save Brian Harman’s Second Child Walter
Brian Harman shared that his family has been devastated by a tragic incident involving a close family friend, Cathy Dowdy, who is currently in a coma.
Dowdy, a retired teacher, tried to save Harman’s son, Walter, from nearly drowning.
Harman, 37, spoke about the tragedy on 19 November at the RSM Classic in St. Simons Island, Georgia, asking for prayers for Dowdy and her family.
He explained that while he was at the Macao Open in China last month, his wife and children were vacationing with the Dowdy family in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
On October 13, Harman’s 6-year-old son was boogie boarding in the ocean when a rip current pulled him out to sea.
Dowdy, trying to save him, jumped in but got caught in the same strong current and struggled to swim.
Then, a stranger named Crane Cantrell, walking along the beach, saw what was happening and swam out to rescue Walter, bringing him safely back to shore.
Harman explained,
“The boy was fine, but Cathy was badly injured in the water. She’s been in a coma for nearly six weeks now, and it’s turned our world completely upside down.”
Brian Harman
As the St. Johns Citizen reported, a lifeguard pulled Dowdy out of the water and performed CPR until emergency responders arrived and took her to the hospital.
He expressed gratitude for Crane and Dowdy, recognizing their selflessness in helping his son.
Harman appreciated how they put aside their safety to jump into the water and save his son.
He added that he didn’t know how to thank them but felt that their bravery in risking their lives for others was one of the most beautiful acts a person can do.
Folks Are Praying For Cathy Dowdy’s Health As She Went Into Coma
After the drowning incident, a friend of Dowdy set up a GoFundMe page to assist with her recovery.
“We are setting up this GoFundMe account to help support the Dowdy Family during this difficult time. The money raised will help cover the expenses for hotel 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. Above all, we ask you to continue to PRAY for a full recovery.
GoFundMe
In response, people have expressed their feelings for the Harman family and pray that God will heal Dowdy and restore her to total health.
I’m so sorry. I know the Harman’s feel terrible. Praying God will touch her body and restore her to perfect health.
Jo Lisa Windle
At the same time, some people have been commenting that, given Harman’s wealth, he should be more than willing to offer financial support to the Dowdy family during this difficult time.
Prayers for the Dowdy family! He’s worth millions and should be more than willing to help this family out!
Dave Meek
Brian you’ve won over $38 million in prize money so far in your career!
Di
Some people are asking, not implying it’s the PGA star duty, but wondering if Harman is covering Dowdy’s hospital bills in light of the situation.
Not saying it’s his responsibility but is he taking care of her hospital bills?
Blake Baldwin
Dowdy is still in a coma on a ventilator at Select Specialty Hospital in Savannah.
The medical team is closely monitoring her progress, but her recovery remains uncertain, and she is facing a long road ahead.
Additional Information
- Brian Harman made history by winning the 2023 Open Championship, becoming only the third left-handed golfer to claim the title, joining Bob Charles and Phil Mickelson.
- He became the fifth left-handed major champion, alongside Mike Weir and Bubba Watson.
- In September 2023, Harman represented Team USA at the Ryder Cup in Rome at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
