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Woods' vehicle in the aftermath of the crash. Ringo H.W. Chiu
Accident

Tiger Woods 'very fortunate' to survive after suffering serious injuries to both legs in car crash

Woods did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the early-morning incident in Los Angeles.

LAST UPDATE | Feb 23rd 2021, 11:39 PM

TIGER WOODS SUFFERED serious injuries to both legs as his car flew off the road on Tuesday near Los Angeles in a crash he was “very fortunate” to survive, law enforcement officials who found the US golf legend said.

Woods did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the early-morning incident, and underwent surgery after the roll-over collision, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

No other vehicles or passengers were involved in the crash which occurred on a steep stretch of road known as a “hotspot” for high-speed accidents in recent years.

“I will say that it’s very fortunate that Mr. Woods was able to come out of this alive,” said deputy Carlos Gonzalez, the first law enforcement official to arrive on scene.

Gonzalez found Woods trapped in his vehicle but conscious, appearing “calm and lucid” and able to identify himself.

“It is my understanding that he had serious injuries to both legs,” said Los Angeles County fire chief Daryl Osby.

Firefighters and paramedics extricated Woods from the wreckage of his SUV and transported him with a neck collar and backboard to a local hospital via road, where he underwent surgery.

There was “no evidence of impairment at this time” including any influence of narcotics, mediciation or alcohol, said Villanueva, adding that the crash remained “subject to investigation.”

He added that no blood was drawn at the scene of the crash because the sheriff’s office does not have that capability.

45-year-old Woods was in the area for his annual Genesis Invitational golf tournament at the Rivieria Country Club, in which he did not compete as he recuperates from back surgery.

“We have been made aware of Tiger Woods’ car accident today,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement.

“We are awaiting further information when he comes out of surgery. On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers,” he added.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the WGC-Workday Championship, world number three Justin Thomas expressed his concern for Woods and his two children, Sam and Charlie.

“I’m sick to my stomach,” Thomas said. “You know, it hurts to see one of your… now one of my closest friends get in an accident.

“Man, I just hope he’s all right. Just worry for his kids, you know. I’m sure they’re struggling.”

Former United States alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, a ex-girlfriend of Woods, tweeted: “Praying for TW right now.”

Additional reporting by AFP

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