Usher thanks 'true heroes' who saved son's life

Singer-actor Usher, whose 5-year-old son was rescued from drowning Monday, has spoken out for the first time about the near-tragedy.

"I am blessed and fortunate to say that my son Usher V is doing well and is recovering," he posted late Wednesday on his website. "I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and support for my family's well-being."

He thanked his aunt, Rena Oden, who called 911 after two workmen at Usher's Atlanta home pulled the boy from a swimming-pool drain where he'd gotten stuck retrieving a toy, "as well as the doctors and nurses who are working with us around the clock. 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." Sound technician Stachurski administered CPR, according to the police report.

Crews' mother Thursday clarified a comment she made earlier in the day to TMZ.com, in which she said her son is getting married next week and suggested Usher might sing at the wedding. "I said that in jest," Leigh Crews told E! News. "In no way did I expect that it would get back to Usher and we have no expectations whatsoever. Ben got a reward. That little boy is alive and that is huge."

She added, "I'm proud and it always makes a mother feel good knowing her son has done something wonderful and that made an impact."

A representative for Usher's label, RCA Records, did not return a Newsday request for comment.