Tiger Woods sustained multiple leg injuries and had surgery on Tuesday after being involved in a car rollover accident near Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Christopher Thomas told USA TODAY Sports that the fire department arrived shortly before 7:30 a.m. First responders would have removed the vehicle’s windshield and pulled out the vehicle’s only occupant – Woods – who was then transported to a local hospital.
“He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and assistance,” Woods longtime agent Mark Steinberg told Golfweek.
Woods, a 15-time grand winner, is one of the best-equipped golfers of all time (82 career wins). His last big win at The Masters in 2019 was his first in 10 years.
Find the latest information on the accident and the condition of Woods here.
Details of the Tiger Woods car accident
The LA County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call at 7:12 a.m. about a rollover at the border between Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. The vehicle had driven north on Hawthorne Boulevard and suffered great damage.
Woods was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.
The video of the crash site showed a mutilated SUV with its front end destroyed and airbags deployed.
According to the Los Angeles TimesThe crash occurred on “a winding, steep section of Hawthorne Boulevard, a main road that runs through the Palos Verdes peninsula.” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters that accidents in the area are common due to the slope and curve of the road.
CRASH SITE MAP:Updates and scene of the accident
Villanueva said the vehicle made contact with a sign on the central median and headed south in the oncoming lane before rolling over a curb, tree and several times before stopping about 50 feet from a house came.
The residents of the house alerted the authorities and the sheriff’s department responded at 7:18 a.m. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was on site 10 minutes later, said fire chief Daryl Osby.
Villanueva said at the time there is no reason to believe that impairment or weather were factors in the crash. He said Woods was wearing his seat belt, adding that an investigation into the accident could take days or even weeks.
Tiger Woods injuries
The extent of Woods’ injuries is not fully known, but Steinberg said the golfer suffered “multiple leg injuries”. It is not believed that the injuries were life threatening.
Assistant Officer Carlos Gonzalez told reporters that because of the nature of the accident and the fact that Woods was freed from the vehicle, he met the criteria to be rushed to the nearest trauma center, Harbor UCLA Hospital.
Gonzalez said Woods could not stand and was removed from the vehicle on a backboard. He was conscious and able to speak, and appeared “calm and clear,” said Gonzalez.
Woods replied “Tiger” when asked for his name and Gonzalez recognized him immediately, he said. Gonzalez was wearing his body camera and it was on when he found Woods.
Osby said he was told that Woods had serious injuries to both legs.
A statement was posted on Wood’s Twitter account late Tuesday evening: “We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and news during this difficult time. As previously reported, Tiger was involved in a car accident this morning in California after being hospitalized , he underwent long operations on his right lower leg and ankle.
“He is currently awake, reacting, and recovering in his hospital room. 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 tremendous.” “
Tiger Woods hosted the Genesis Invitational in California
Woods lives in Jupiter, Florida, but was in Southern California over the weekend for the Genesis Open, a tournament hosted by his foundation at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. After the finals, he presented winner Max Homa with a trophy.
Actor David Spade and retired NBA legend Dwyane Wade posted on social media about playing golf with Woods on Monday.
Tiger Woods had a back operation in December
Shortly after playing in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie, Woods underwent back surgery in December – a microdiscectomy to remove a pressurized disc fragment – that prevented him from playing this season. He said to Jim Nantz of CBS during the final round on Sunday, “I’m fine. I’m a little stiff. I have another MRI planned … then I can start doing more activity.”
What kind of car did Tiger Woods drive?
Photos and footage of the SUV Woods drove feature a “Genesis Invitational” logo on the side of the vehicle. ON Genesis spokesman said Woods drove the GV80, the only SUV under Genesis – a luxury brand from Hyundai.
Featuring: Tom Schad, Josh Peter, Nathan Bomey, Mike Freeman; Associated Press
