SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A woman is in a coma, after trying to save the child of one of Savannah’s most prominent professional athletes.
Professional golfer Brian Harman said at a press conference this week that his six-year-old son was boogie boarding on vacation in Florida when the current started causing problems.
That prompted his close family friend to try and take action, ultimately landing her in the coma she’s now been in for more than a month.
“I’ll try to make it through this the best I can…” started Harman.
It was difficult news for the Savannah native and PGA golfer to pass along this week.
“Cathy Dowdy, who’s been a family friend – really we call them family friends but they’re family – she went in the water. She went in the water after my son.”
The golfer’s son would be saved, but not by Dowdy, who was followed into the water by someone else.
“He makes it out fine. Cathy was injured really badly in the water. She’s been in a coma for going on six weeks now.”
Harman said he was not really sure what he wanted to say to the press about all of this, but just wanted to bring awareness to the selfless act of his friend.
“I think that bravery and doing something like that for people that aren’t your blood is just the most beautiful thing you can do.”
Cathy is now at a hospital in the Savannah area; meanwhile, Harman is thinking of her while out on the tour.
“They’re family for us and we’re with them to the end and I appreciate everybody that’s helped us out through all of this.”
There is a GoFundMe set up for Cathy. The initial goal was $20,000, but they have already raised nearly four and a half times that.
WTOC spoke with the organizer of that effort, who tells us Cathy is her best friend. She says it has been incredibly difficult, but they appreciate Brian taking the time to address her bravery on a national stage.
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