Shattered ankle, two leg fractures, emergency surgery: The latest on Tiger Woods
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Golf legend Tiger Woods was hospitalized Tuesday after crashing his vehicle near Rancho Palos Verdes. Here's what we know.
What happened?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that it responded to a "single vehicle rollover traffic collision on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes." The statement confirmed that Woods was the driver and only occupant of the vehicle.
This morning @LMTLASD responded to a roll-over collision in which @TigerWoods was injured. Please see our statement... pic.twitter.com/cSWOxKZC1w
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) February 23, 2021
The crash occurred on a curvy, steep stretch of Hawthorne Boulevard, a major road that cuts through the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Law enforcement sources who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter told The Times that Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control of his SUV, which rolled multiple times before coming to a halt.
Here is the intersection where the #TigerWoods crash allegedly happened. Just took this. More @latimes coverage to come https://t.co/OgdTnbdXuS pic.twitter.com/rJrxp0eGWR
— Christina Schoellkopf (@CSchoellkopf) February 23, 2021
During a news conference, officials said Woods was in stable condition when he was extracted from the vehicle. A second vehicle accident occurred shortly afterward but with no injuries.
No evidence of impairment, officials said. Woods was conscious and sustained serious leg injuries. Officials clarified that Woods was not extracted by the “Jaws of Life,” but with another special tool and an axe.
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) February 23, 2021
Officials said neighbors called 911 at 7:12 a.m. and they responded to the scene just before 7:30 a.m. Woods asked medial personnel to contact “a member of his team” when he reached the hospital.
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) February 23, 2021
Woods wearing a seatbelt likely saved his life, officials said. Airbags also deployed effectively.
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) February 23, 2021
'We have a rollover with someone trapped'
The first sheriff's dispatch call went out around 7:15 a.m., giving the location of the accident and saying, "The vehicle ran off the road."
In the midst of radio traffic directing units to the scene and coordinating the shutdown of traffic, another voice spoke with urgency at 7:25 a.m.: "Do we have an ETA for fire [department rescue units]? We have a rollover with someone trapped."
How seriously was Tiger hurt?
The L.A. County Fire Department reported that the driver of the vehicle was taken to a local hospital in serious condition.
In a statement, Woods' manager, Mark Steinberg, said the golfer "suffered multiple leg injuries" and "is currently in surgery."
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Woods is “lucky to be alive.”
Tiger Woods hospitalized after roll-over crash near Rancho Palos Verdes https://t.co/MjCVaQzdf2
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 23, 2021
Updates:
• Sources said Woods had to be removed through the car’s windshield.
• He was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center by ambulance. He is being treated for multiple leg injuries.
• He is currently in surgery, his manager said.https://t.co/MjCVaQQO6A— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 23, 2021
Sources said Woods’ SUV rolled multiple times before coming to a halt.
The sources described his condition as “moderate to critical.”
Aerial images from the scene of the crash showed Woods’ vehicle lying about 30 yards off the road on its side.https://t.co/MjCVaQQO6A— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) February 23, 2021
Woods suffered a shattered ankle and two leg fractures, according to officials.
Latest on Tiger Woods: His injuries included a shattered ankle and two leg fractures, one of which was compound, according to a source familiar with his treatment. "Lucky to be alive," the L.A. County sheriff says. From @latimes team covering the crash: https://t.co/3sZTsNMmML
— Daniel Miller (@DanielNMiller) February 23, 2021
What is the latest on Tiger's condition?
Late Tuesday night, a statement was posted to Woods Twitter account that detailed the lengthy emergency surgery the golfer underwent.
"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," Dr. Anish Mahajan, the hospital's interim CEO, said in the statement.
"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."
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 24, 2021
Why was Tiger in town?
Woods was in Los Angeles as the host of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, which concluded Sunday. He did not play in the event, as he was recovering from his fifth back surgery, but told CBS announcer Jim Nantz in an interview during the final round that he hoped to play in the Masters in April.
“God, I hope so. I’ve got to get there first,” Woods said in the interview. “A lot of it is based on my surgeons and doctors and therapist and making sure I do it correctly. This is the only back I’ve got, I don’t have much more wiggle room left.”
Woods stayed around in Los Angeles after the Genesis Invitational to participate in a two-day content shoot with Golf Digest/GOLFTV. Although he did not hit balls or play any holes Monday, a smiling Woods was with retired NBA star Dwyane Wade and comedian David Spade – both of whom documented it on social media -- at Rolling Hills Country Club. Part of the shoot involved Woods giving lessons on the course to celebrities.
Golf lesson with this guy today. And you know what? He’s not bad… He picks things up very quickly. Good listener pic.twitter.com/KinEAGcEKU
— David Spade (@DavidSpade) February 23, 2021
Woods is said to have been to headed back to Rolling Hills to continue doing video and photo shoots for Golf Digest at the time of the crash.
Reactions
Justin Thomas was speaking to reporters Tuesday just after the news broke about Woods, his close friend and fellow former world No. 1 golfer.
"I'm sick to my stomach ..." Thomas said during a news conference ahead of the WGC-Workday Championship at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. "I just hope he's all right."
Justin Thomas says he is "sick to his stomach" after learning about Tiger Woods' car crash in LA. He found out minutes before his presser. #PGA pic.twitter.com/0oRuCVyOyd
— 11Alive Sports (@11AliveSports) February 23, 2021
Other reactions:
Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned. We want to offer him our heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery.
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) February 23, 2021
Statement from the PGA TOUR on Tiger Woods.
Woods was involved in a single-car accident this morning in California and suffered multiple leg injuries. pic.twitter.com/iEx6QUiKcN— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 23, 2021
Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously await more news.
Thinking of him and his entire family. 🙏 https://t.co/jpWbI3cLvO— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) February 23, 2021
Praying for Tiger Woods who was injured in a car crash today. I hope that we see you have a successful surgery and speedy recovery. May God see you through, Champ! pic.twitter.com/pRfZUHyvpE
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) February 23, 2021
Prayers up for @TigerWoods 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) February 23, 2021
Praying for you Brotha @TigerWoods 🙏🏿
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) February 23, 2021
Thinking of @TigerWoods this afternoon... prayers this is just the beginning of another major comeback 🐅 🙏 https://t.co/lluhInJex9
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) February 23, 2021
Prayers up for the GOAT @TigerWoods who was in an accident this morning. Was just with him yesterday. Don’t take not even a MOMENT for granted! I know you’re good because your Tiger within is a beast!!!
— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) February 23, 2021
Raider Nation please say a prayer for @TigerWoods, involved in a car crash in Palos Verdes.. TW, may God's healing power and grace be with you!!
— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) February 23, 2021
We praying for you @TigerWoods bounce back champ! 🙏🏾
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) February 23, 2021
Prayers up for @TigerWoods 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) February 23, 2021
The world is rooting for you, Tiger.
Stay strong.
Jeremiah 33:6 - Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. pic.twitter.com/FGLvtjPsXk— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 23, 2021
Praying for @TigerWoods Coming down Hawthorne Blvd it gets steep, curves to the right and is very easy to pick up speed. Thoughts and prayers w/ Tiger and family. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/tY3mavbu4M
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) February 23, 2021
Staff writers Sam Farmer, Nathan Fenno. Chuck Schilken and Hayley Smith contributed to this report.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.