What We Know About Tiger Woods' Roll-Over Car Crash
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has reported that famed golfer Tiger Woods has been in a serious car accident. "On February 23, 2021, at approximately 7:12 a.m., LASD responded to a single vehicle roll-over traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes," they announced in a tweet.
Per the statement, "the vehicle sustained major damage." Woods was driving the car and was not accompanied by any passengers. "Mr. Woods was extricated from the wreck with the 'jaws of life' by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics, then transported to a local hospital by ambulance for his injuries," continued the statement. An investigation into the accident is ongoing.
As noted by TMZ, Woods, who lives in Florida, was in Los Angeles for the Genesis Invitational golf tournament which ended a couple of days ago. The tournament is hosted by Woods, but he was unable to compete himself this year as he recently underwent back surgery (via The Spun).
Tiger Woods 'suffered multiple leg injuries'
Per an Instagram post from Woods' charity, TGR Foundation, "The Genesis Invitational benefits TGR Foundation, whose education programs help underserved students in Southern California and beyond build pathways to success."
Updates on Woods' condition are slowly being released. CNN's Ana Cabrera tweeted that LA County Public Information Officer Henry Narvaez confirmed the golfer "suffered moderate to critical injuries." Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, issued a statement that was tweeted by Golf Digest. "Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries," said Steinberg. "He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support."
Well-wishers have flooded social media with love for Woods. "Thoughts are with @TigerWoods and others involved, wishing a speedy recovery and I hope the injuries are not bad," tweeted pro golfer Ian Poulter. Meanwhile, basketball player Isaiah Thomas tweeted, "Prayers up @TigerWoods."
A statement was released on Tiger Woods' Twitter account
Several hours after the accident, a statement was released on Woods' Twitter account stating that he was recovering from surgery. "We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and messages during this tough time," read the statement.
The statement also included an update from Dr. Anish Mahajan, the chief medical officer and interim CEO at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where Woods is being treated. "He has undergone a long surgical procedure on his lower right leg and ankle after being brought to the hospital," said Mahajan. "Mr. Woods suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by Orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center. Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia. Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilized with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft-tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling."
The statement concluded by saying that Woods is doing better. "He is currently awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room," said Woods' team in the statement. "Thank you to the wonderful doctors and hospital staff at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and the Fire Department. Your support and assistance has been outstanding. There are no further updates at this time and we continue to thank you for your well-wishes and privacy for him and his family."
Tiger Woods is 'lucky to be alive'
A representative for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said things could have gone much worse and that the athlete is "lucky to be alive" (via CBS). While fans are grateful that Woods survived what could have been a fatal crash, many are now wondering what this means for his future as a golfer. Woods has already been kept out of the game this year due to his recent back surgery, but many think that his new injuries will force him to retire from golf completely.
Woods has made miraculous comebacks before, though. Sky Sports listed his many injuries over the years, including a torn ACL, an injury to his Achilles tendon, a strained elbow, and several back surgeries. In 2012, Bleacher Report wrote that "Tiger's career will never be revived" but, as we know, Woods has defied the odds again and again.
As the world waits for more updates, prayers continue to flood in for Woods. Many are optimistic, including former president Barack Obama who tweeted, "Here's to a speedy recovery for the GOAT of golf. If we've learned anything over the years, it's to never count Tiger out."