Golf Tournament Planned for Deceased Redhook Employee

A golf tournament to raise money for the unborn child of a Redhook Ale Brewery worker who was killed by an exploding beer keg is in the works.

According to an e-mail from Michael Fischer, the friends and family of Ben Harris, 26, who lived in Newington, want to raise funds from the Ben Harris Memorial Golf Tournament at Pease Golf Club on Aug. 3. to benefit Alysha Miller Harris.

"All proceeds from the tournament will go directly to the Alysha Miller Harris Baby Fund at TD Bank. The fund was set up to assist his unborn child," wrote Fischer, who is the student life director at Great Bay Community College, in an e-mail.

On the golf tournament website, the organizers say they are looking for sponsors to enter teams or sponsor individual holes for the golf tournament that will begin at 8 a.m.

"While our hearts are heavy with our own grief, we are unified in our support to ensure that Ben's unborn child has a healthy and happy life," the website reads.

On Monday night, Fischer wrote in an e-mail the golf tournament organizers have to line up 36 teams and sponsorships in one month. He wrote they have lined up hole sponsorships from TAP and the Pierce Atwood law firm.

"It is an up hill battle but we are confident that brewing community and the greater Portsmouth community will help Ben's unborn child and his Alysha during this difficult time," Fischer wrote on Monday night.

People who have questions about the golf tournament or want more information on how they can contribute can contact Fischer at 603-427-7644.

According to Portsmouth Fire Capt. Mike Hogan, around 7 a.m. on April 24 when a beer keg that Redhook officials say didn't belong to the craft beer maker exploded.

Harris suffered was later pronounced dead at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and federal OSHA inspectors continue to investigate the accident. WMUR reported on June 8 that Redhook officials recently announced they have hired a private investigator to do their own investigation into the accident.