Tiger Woods underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday after being seriously injured in a rollover crash in Los Angeles. Woods, the 45-year-old golf legend, was the only person in the vehicle who was “severely damaged” in the crash, officials said.
Woods is awake, responsive, and recovering from a “long surgical procedure” on his right lower leg and ankle, according to a statement posted to his Twitter account early Wednesday. “We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and messages in 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 drove downhill, drove hundreds of meters, turned multiple times, and landed on a hill in suburban Los Angeles.
Woods was trapped in it, forcing rescuers to use tools to pry open the windshield to pull Woods out, local officials said. The beloved golfer was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he needed emergency surgery.
“Mr. Woods sustained significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery,” said Dr. Anish Mahajan, the hospital’s chief medical officer and interim CEO.
Woods’ SUV – a 2021 Genesis GV80 – was the only vehicle involved in the crash. Photos and video of the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the vehicle. The golfer’s clubs and other personal items were removed from the scene, and a crane later removed the crumpled SUV.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said there were no early signs that Woods had a disability. The SUV’s interior remained intact, which gave 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 couldn’t stand alone. “I asked his name, he told me his name was Tiger and at that point I recognized him immediately,” Gonzalez told reporters. “He seemed like he was bright and calm.”
Gonzalez said Woods wore 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 very happy that Mr. Woods got out of here alive,” he said.
Ryan Kang / AP
A Florida resident, Woods was in Los Angeles to host his annual golf tournament, the Genesis Invitational. He has been filming for the past two days on Discovery’s Golf TV with comedian David Spade and former NBA player Dwyane Wade, who video of their meeting.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Woods has 82 PGA Tour wins in his career, including 15 major championships. He is recovering from back surgery and hasn’t played since the PNC Championship in December.
On February 16, Woods said he was still recovering from the procedure, but did not confirm whether he would be playing at the Masters in April. “I feel good, I feel good. I am a little stiff,” said Woods last week. “Still in the gym, still doing the everyday things you need to do for rehab.”
Professional golfers, athletes and celebrities including Jack Nicklaus, Alex Rodriguez and Magic Johnson, sent Woods good wishes as he recovers from his accident.
“Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s accident, and like everyone else, we’re very concerned,” Nickalus tweeted Tuesday. “We want to offer him our sincere support and prayers in this difficult time. Join us and wish Tiger a successful operation and all the best for a full recovery.”
“I just saw the terrible news,” golfer Justin Rose tweeted‘We know how strong you are, we’ve seen it a hundred times. Hoping and praying that you are well, my friend. ‘
Ringo HW Chiu / AP
This is the third car incident involving the champion of the majors. In 2009 his vehicle hit a tree. Soon after, revelations of infidelity surfaced, which cost Woods sponsorship and landed him in drug addiction treatment. In 2017, Woods was arrested and charged with DUI when Florida police found him unconscious behind the wheel of a parked car.
Two years later, Woods made a remarkable return to greatness by winning the Masters for the fifth time“I had serious doubts after what happened a few years ago,” Woods said at the time. “I was lucky to have another chance to do something that I love to do.”