Golf legend Tiger Woods was seriously injured Tuesday morning in a traffic accident in California, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, and is reportedly undergoing leg surgery.
Woods was involved in a “single vehicle roll-over traffic collision” and has since been extracted from the wreck and moved to a local hospital.
While the sheriff’s department originally said the “jaws of life” were used to extricate Woods, fire officials later said he was removed through the vehicle’s windshield with the aid of a bar and ax.
At an afternoon press conference, officials said there was no immediate indication Woods was impaired while driving.
Woods’s vehicle “sustained major damage” with aerial images captured by a local ABC affiliate.
Woods agent Mark Steinberg provided a statement to Golf Digest shortly after the crash: “Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”
Police and fire officials at the press conference confirmed that both of Woods’ legs were severely injured. Officials said Woods’ SUV — apparently a loaner from a golf tournament he participated in last weekend — ran over a median and crossed two lanes of oncoming traffic before rolling over several times. His vehicle was the only one involved in the crash.
“I will say that it’s very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive,” Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who was among the first at the scene, said Tuesday afternoon, noting that the steep stretch of road can be dangerous.
Woods has a record-tying 82 career wins on the PGA Tour, and has won 15 major championships. His career was beset by scandal in 2009 and derailed by back injuries, but he was able to mount a yearslong comeback that culminated with a win at the Masters in 2019. He underwent his fifth back surgery in December.