World-renown golf star Tiger Woods suffered major injuries in a rollover car crash in Southern California on Tuesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, https://abcnews.go.com/ reported.
The crash happened around 7:12 a.m. on the border of Rolling Hills estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, the sheriff’s office said in the article.
Woods, who was driving, was the only occupant, and the only car involved, the sheriff’s office said in the report.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and used a Halligan tool and ax to extricate him from the vehicle, Chief Daryl Osby said during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. He was extricated through his vehicle’s windshield and taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, according to the article.
Woods, reported as in serious condition, suffered injuries to both his legs, Osby said. Woods was able to communicate at the scene, but could not stand on his own, authorities said.
Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, said in the story that Woods had numerous leg injuries and was undergoing surgery, ESPN reported.
The area of the rollover has a “high frequency” of accidents, according to the article. Villanueva said during the press briefing. Woods’ car — a 2021 Genesis GV80 mid-size SUV — was found several hundred feet away from the center divider. There were no skid marks, and the amount the car traveled indicates it was traveling at a “greater speed than normal,” the sheriff said in the story.
Investigators will be determining if distracted driving was a factor, the sheriff said. There was no evidence of impairment, he said.
The car hit the center median, crossed into the opposite lane and then hit the curb and a tree, Villanueva said. It also rolled over several times. The front end was “totally destroyed,” and the airbag was deployed, he said.
“Thankfully, the interior was more or less intact, which kind of gave him the cushion to survive what otherwise would have been a fatal crash,” Villanueva said.
“I’ve seen fatal traffic collisions, so I will say it’s very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this,” Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who was the first unit on the scene, told reporters.
The Lomita Sheriff’s Station will be conducting a traffic investigation, which could take several weeks to complete, Villanueva said.
“When I arrived on scene, Mr. Woods was seated in the driver’s seat,” Gonzalez said. “I made contact with him, and I ensured that he was able to speak to me. At that time, he seemed as though he was still calm and lucid.”
Gonzalez added, “I kept Mr. Woods calm. … I asked him what his name was. He told me his name was Tiger, and that moment I immediately recognized him.”
There was a second accident following Woods’ crash — “People being lookie-loos,” the sheriff said — that had no injuries.
Fellow golfing legend Jack Nicklaus tweeted, “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.”
Woods is second all-time in major victories, with 15, behind only Nicklaus’ 18 wins.
Gold medal-winning skier Lindsey Vonn, who previously dated Woods, tweeted, “Praying for TW right now.”
Woods hosted The Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles last week. He wasn’t playing as he’s been recovering from recent back surgery.
Former NBA player Dwyane Wade posted photos to Instagram Tuesday of him on a golf course with Woods on Monday.