Woody Harrelson's Heroic Act: Saving Darius Rucker from a Near-Death Drowning

Darius Rucker Shares How Woody Harrelson Saved His Life in New Memoir

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Darius Rucker had a close call during a high point in his music career when he almost drowned - and it was Woody Harrelson who came to his rescue.

In the first chapter of his memoir "Life's Too Short", released on May 28, Rucker, 58, shared a memorable experience from a two-week stay with Harrelson in Hawaii. He described how swimming at Woody's place was not as simple as just putting on your trunks and jumping in the pool. It involved a careful descent down a rocky cliff, step by step.

After a challenging 25-minute journey down, they finally arrived at a cozy little beach. Rucker, Harrelson, and their friend Kirk were eager to take a dip in the water.

Rucker boasted, "I'm a pretty good swimmer, actually, I'm quite confident in my abilities." However, the strong currents in the Hawaiian waters soon made him doubt himself. As he found himself separated from Harrelson and Kirk, with no land in sight, Rucker recalled being dragged under by a rip current.

The current is strong and feels like a giant squid wrapping its tentacles around me, pulling me under the water. I struggle to keep myself afloat, gasping for air as I fight against the force of the water. I hear a voice in the distance, calling out to me. It's Woody, not too far away.

Harrelson finally catches up to me in the water. We float together, but I start to feel myself slipping away. I see bright flashes of white and visions of my late mother. I tell Harrelson to let me go as I drift off.

Rucker wrote about the words escaping from his mouth, one by one, each syllable feeling like a small burst of air. He gasped as he uttered a final burst of words, saying, "This is it." Harrelson, determined to save his friend, located Kirk in the water and together they rescued Rucker.

In the moments after being saved and returning to the beach, Rucker described the time as a "blank." He mentioned, "All I know for sure is that somehow Woody managed to pull me out of the current, and with Kirk's help, they brought me back to the beach. And here I am, twenty-five years later," he reflected.

Rucker mentioned in the chapter that he can't remember how he became friends with Harrelson, but they instantly got along well after meeting.

Rucker added that Woody is a popular choice for friendship because he is known for being kind, generous, fun, and laid-back.

Rucker’s memoir, Life’s Too Short, is available from publisher Dey Street Books wherever books are sold.

Editor's P/S:

This gripping account highlights the importance of having people in our lives who step up in times of crisis. Darius Rucker's near-drowning experience underscores the power of friendship and the willingness to risk oneself to save another. Woody Harrelson's quick thinking and determination to rescue his friend is a testament to the strength of their bond and the value of having individuals who care deeply about our well-being.

Rucker's memoir, "Life's Too Short," serves as a reminder to cherish the relationships we have and to appreciate the people who support us through life's challenges. The book offers a glimpse into Rucker's personal journey, including his struggles and triumphs, and highlights the importance of living life to the fullest.