Usher is finally speaking out about the hospitalization of his son Usher V, who nearly drowned after his arm got stuck while trying to retrieve a toy from a pool drain on Monday, Aug. 5. "I am blessed and fortunate to say that my son Usher V is doing well and is recovering," the singer, 34, tells Us Weekly in a statement. "I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and support for my family's well-being."
On Monday, two male contractors working inside Usher's house jumped into the pool and rescued the 5-year-old after a maid and a relative were unable to free him. Usher V was then given CPR and taken to an Atlanta hospital.
"I would like to thank my Aunt Rena as well as the doctors and nurses who are working with us around the clock," Usher adds. "I would especially like to thank the two men who saved my son's life, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews. They are true heroes and I am deeply grateful to them."
Shortly after the incident, celebrity stylist Tameka Foster, 42, requested an emergency hearing to regain primary custody of her two children with Usher. (Divorced since November 2009, they are also parents to son Naviyd, 4.) The hearing will take place on Friday, Aug. 9.
