BEVERLY HILLS, February 24, (THEWILL) – On Tuesday, as reported by THEWILL, the news broke of the unfortunate auto crash involving ace golfer Tiger Woods, whose single-car accident occurred in Ranchos Palos Verdes, California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which responded to the crash, said in a statement that Woods’ car “sustained major damage,” and he was transported to a local hospital.
The initial reports which claimed that “Mr. Woods was extricated from the wreck with the ‘jaws of life’ by Los Angeles County firefighters and paramedics” before being transported to a local hospital, had to be later corrected by officials from the Fire Department. They said personnel at the scene had no need to use hydraulic tools such as the “Jaws of Life” to get Woods out.
The golfer, who was alone in the car at the time of the accident, sustained compound fractures in his legs with a list of injuries that included a shattered ankle.
The official Twitter account of the 45-year-old released a statement that provided a detailed update on the legendary golfer’s current condition.
It opened with an expression of gratitude to all those who have offered their support and encouragement before explaining that Woods underwent surgery on his right leg for fractures to the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones, as well as injuries to his foot and ankle.
“We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and messages during this tough time.
“He has undergone a long surgical procedure on his lower right leg and ankle after being brought to the hospital.”
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The statement quoted the Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Anish Mahajan: “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.
“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.”
The statement finished on the positive note that Woods was “currently awake, responsive, and recovering in the hospital room.”
It added: “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 outstanding.”
More details are emerging about the crash itself which afford a clearer understanding of what transpired. The SUV Woods was said to be driving himself, crossed a median, went across multiple lanes, hit a curb and then a tree, and then landed on its side. There were no skid marks or braking and the SUV appeared to have rolled several times.
Rescue officials who arrived at the scene to pry him out of the vehicle claimed Woods was lucid and calm after the accident, communicative and able to identify himself, but unable to walk under his own power. He was also secured in with a seatbelt at time of rollover accident with non-life-threatening injuries. Traffic investigators are investigating the cause of the crash, which is something they said could take weeks.
Public support and sympathy have poured out from across the globe and most of those in the sports world, including his fellow golfers, wished him a speedy recovery, and expressed their sincere happiness that it was not fatal.
Woods is one of the best golfers in the history of the sport and is a 15-time major champion with the 15th coming in the 2019 Masters after a lengthy period out of form.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
