Tiger Woods underwent emergency surgery Tuesday after suffering serious injuries in a dump accident in Los Angeles. Woods, the 45-year-old golf legend, was the only person in the vehicle to suffer “significant damage” during the crash, officials said.
Woods is awake, sensitive and recovering from a “long surgical procedure” on his lower leg and ankle, according to a statement posted to his Twitter account early Wednesday. “We thank everyone for their support and overwhelming messages during this difficult time.”
Deputies responded to the scene at 7:12 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. His SUV stopped downhill, traveling a few hundred yards, circling several times before landing on a hill in a Los Angeles suburb.
Woods was trapped inside, forcing the former to respond by using tools to open the windshield to remove Woods, local officials said. The beloved golfer was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he required emergency surgery.
“Mr Woods suffered significant orthopedic injuries to his lower right limb which were treated during emergency surgery,” said Dr Anish Mahajan, the hospital’s chief physician and interim CEO.
Woods ’SUV, a 2021 Genesis GV80, was the only vehicle involved in the crash. Photos and videos of the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. Golf clubs and other personal items were removed from the site and a crane subsequently removed the crumpled SUV.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said there were no initial signs that Woods was deteriorating. The interior of the SUV remained intact, giving Woods the cushion to survive, Villanueva said, adding that the investigation could take weeks.
Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who responded to the scene, said Woods was calm but unable to stand on his own. “I asked what his name was, he told me his name was Tiger and at that moment I recognized him immediately,” Gonzalez told reporters. “He looked like he was lucid and calm.”
Gonzalez said Woods was wearing a seat belt, which “greatly increased” his chances of surviving. The deputy described the stretch of road as a “problem area” for speeding and accidents. “It was very fortunate that Mr. Woods came out alive,” he said.
Ryan Kang / AP
Woods, a Florida resident, was in Los Angeles to host his annual golf tournament, the Genesis Invitational. He spent the last two days filming Discovery Golf TV with comedian David Spade and former NBA player Dwyane Wade, who released a video of their meeting.
Woods, widely considered one of the best players of all time, has 82 wins in the PGA Tour, including 15 major championships. He is recovering from back surgery and has not played since the December PNC Championship.
On Feb. 16, Woods said he was still rehabilitating after the procedure, but did not confirm whether he would play for the Masters in April. “I feel good, I feel good. I’m a little stiff,” Woods said last week. “Still in the gym, I still do the mundane things you have to do to rehabilitate them.”
Professional golfers, athletes and celebrities, including Jack Nicklaus, Alex Rodriguez i Magic Johnson, sent Woods many wishes as he recovers from his accident.
“Barbara and I just heard about the Tiger crash and, like everyone else, we’re deeply concerned,” Nickalus said. he tweeted Tuesday. “We want to offer you our heart of support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery.”
“I just saw the horrible news,” golfer Justin Rose said he tweeted. “We know how hard you are, we’ve seen it a hundred times. Waiting and praying you’re fine my friend.”
Ringo HW Chiu / AP
This is the third car incident involving the senior champion. In 2009, his vehicle crashed into a tree. Shortly afterwards revelations arose about infidelity, which cost Woods sponsorships and landed him in rehab. In 2017, Woods was arrested and charged with DUI when Florida police found him missing behind the wheel of a parked car.
Two years later, Woods made a remarkable return to greatness, winning the Masters for fifth time. “I had serious doubts after what happened a couple of years ago,” Woods said at the time. “I was very lucky to get another chance to do something I would love to do.”