Tiger Woods underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday after suffering serious injuries in a rollover accident in Los Angeles. Woods, the 45-year-old golf legend, was the only person in the vehicle who suffered “major damage” in the accident, officials said.
Woods is awake, responsive and recovering from a “long surgical procedure” on his right leg and ankle, according to a statement posted on his Twitter account on Wednesday. “We thank everyone for their support and overwhelming messages during this difficult time.”
The deputies responded to the scene at 7:12 am local time on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said. His SUV fell downhill, traveling several hundred meters, overturning several times before landing on a hillside in a Los Angeles suburb.
Woods was trapped inside, forcing first aid to use tools to open the windshield and pull Woods out, local officials said. The beloved golfer was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he needed emergency surgery.
“Mr. Woods suffered significant orthopedic injuries to the lower right extremity that were treated during emergency surgery,” said Dr. Anish Mahajan, hospital medical director and interim CEO.
Woods’ SUV – a Genesis GV80 2021 – was the only vehicle involved in the accident. Photos and videos of the scene showed major damage to the front of the vehicle. The golfer’s clubs and other personal items were removed from the site and a crane later removed the dented SUV.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said there were no early signs that Woods was in trouble. The interior of the SUV remained intact, which gave Woods protection to survive, Villanueva said, adding that the investigation could take weeks.
Congressman Carlos Gonzalez, who responded to the scene, said Woods was calm but could not stand on his own. “I asked him what his name was, he told me his name was Tiger and, at that moment, I recognized him immediately,” Gonzalez told reporters. “He looked lucid and calm.”
Gonzalez said Woods was wearing his seat belt, which “greatly increased” his chances of survival. The deputy called the stretch of road a “problem area” for speeding and accidents. “It was fortunate that Mr. Woods came out of this 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 with Discovery’s Golf TV with comedian David Spade and former NBA player Dwyane Wade, who posted a video of your meeting.
Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, has 82 career PGA Tour victories, including 15 major championships. He is recovering from back surgery and has not played since the PNC championship in December.
On February 16, Woods said he was still recovering after the procedure, but did not confirm whether he would play for the Masters in April. “I’m feeling good, I’m feeling good. I’m a little tense,” said Woods last week. “Still at the gym, still doing the mundane things you have to do for rehab.”
Professional golfers, athletes and celebrities, including Jack Nicklaus, Alex Rodriguez and Magic Johnson, sent best wishes to Woods as he recovered from the accident.
“Barbara and I just heard about the Tiger accident and, like everyone else, we are deeply concerned,” Nickalus tweeted Tuesday. “We want to offer him our sincere support and prayers at this difficult time. Join us to wish Tiger successful surgery and all the best for a complete recovery.”
“I just saw the terrible news,” golfer Justin Rose tweeted. “We know how hard you are, we’ve seen it hundreds of times. Hoping and praying that you’re well, my friend.”
Ringo HW Chiu / AP
This is the third car accident involving the champion of the championships. In 2009, your vehicle hit a tree. Soon afterwards, revelations about the infidelity surfaced, costing Woods sponsorships and leading him to rehab. In 2017, Woods was arrested and charged with DUI when Florida police found him passed out at the wheel of a parked car.
Two years later, Woods made a remarkable return to greatness, winning the Masters for the fifth time. “I had serious doubts after what happened a few years ago,” said Woods at the time. “I was lucky to have another chance to do something I love to do.”