Country Singer Darius Rucker Recounts Harrowing Rescue By Woody Harrelson In New Memoir
In a new memoir, Life’s Too Short, country singer Darius Rucker opens up about a harrowing near-death experience during a seemingly idyllic trip to Hawaii with his friend, actor Woody Harrelson.
In the late 1990s, Darius, 58, decided to take a break from touring and visit Woody, 62, for some downtime. The two spent their days practicing yoga, playing chess, and enjoying the laid-back Hawaiian vibe. But one afternoon, their adventure took a perilous turn.
Woody suggested they swim to a nearby small island, cautioning Darius about the strong currents. Confident in his swimming abilities, Darius agreed. However, he soon found himself in trouble.
“I feel as if some horrific giant squid has lashed itself around my body, circling and tightening its tentacles around my legs, dragging me under the water. I gulp and I gasp and I keep fighting. I fight and flail for I have no idea how long — ten minutes, fifteen — and then I hear a voice. Woody,” Darius recounted in writing.
Struggling to stay afloat, he began to fear for his life.
As the current pulled him deeper, Darius fought to survive. He recalls a moment of clarity where everything went white, and he saw a vision of his late mother Carolyn and other significant moments from his life. Despite his desperation, he knew he couldn’t give up.
Seeing Darius struggling, Woody swam to his aid but also got caught in the current. The two friends were soon battling the water together, their situation growing more dire by the minute. Darius recalls looking at Woody’s face and feeling certain that he was about to die. He even told Woody to let him go, but his friend refused. “Die? S—. Not on my watch,” Woody insisted.
After what felt like an eternity, their friend Kirk arrived to help. While Darius doesn’t remember the details, he knows that Woody and Kirk managed to pull him from the water and drag him back to the beach.
This dramatic rescue is just one of many stories Darius shares in his memoir, which also highlights his rise to fame with Hootie & the Blowfish and his successful solo career.
Speaking to PEOPLE about what he hopes his story would achieve, Darius said, “I wanted it to be like we were sitting in a bar and I was telling you my story. I guess not a lot of people know a lot about me. They know my music and what I do. I hope my journey pleasantly surprises people.”
