Pro Golfer Tiger Woods crashed his car early Tuesday morning in what was a life-threatening accident. The 45 year old was driving through Rancho Palos Verdes, CA when his SUV crossed roads and veered across two lanes of road before hitting a curb, tree, and landing on its side. According to reports, the legendary golfer remained conscious and calm, although he suffered serious leg injuries. 

As investigators asked Woods what happened, he said “he had no recollection of the crash itself.” Tiger underwent emergency surgery on his lower right leg and ankle at the UCLA Medical Center. The leg fractures Tiger suffered were “comminuted,” as the bones within his leg (tibia and fibula) were broken, it was also reported as an “open” injury, leaving the broken bone pierced through his skin and open to air. As his right leg was crushed, orthopedic specialists inserted a rod into Woods’ leg to stabilize both his foot and ankle bones. The surgeons also believed that if the surgery was not performed in time, amputation of his limbs could have been necessary. As for the accident itself, LA officer Carlos Gonzalez believed “it was a miracle” that Tiger was still alive.

Woods was driving his Genesis SUV the morning of the accident while driving at a very high speed. There were no skid marks found before the crash the Los Angeles County Sheriff said. As Gonzalez rushed to the scene, he found Woods still strapped into his seatbelt that had rolled over onto the drivers side of the door. 

Woods was not found under the influence, as there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol. There was also no evidence found of Tiger using a cell phone while behind the wheel.

As Tiger Woods sat stuck in his vehicle, Los Angeles County firemen shattered the car windshield to help pull the Golfer out of his car. Rushed to the hospital with serious injuries, a backboard was used to get him through the giant hole along with a neck collar.

The Legendary Golfer is now recovering from lower leg surgery, creating an even bigger setback as Tiger underwent his fifth back surgery just a month ago. Before the accident, there was a possibility Tiger would play in the 2021 Masters Tournament, and return to golf after another lengthy absence. Well known for his 15-major championships, this accident now sits alongside the 2009 incident and the 2017 DUI arrest, which grew from addiction to pain medication.

Following the news that broke Tuesday afternoon, sports fans all around the world were devastated to hear the news of Tiger Woods. Following his miraculous recovery in 2018 as he took home the Masters, everyone was happy to see the legendary golfer return again. As the “Tiger” documentary was released on HBO Max just a couple months ago (where former caddies, ex-girlfriends, coaches, and friends gave their side of the story on past events), fans were eager to see how Woods would respond.

The world continues to pray for Tiger, as we all hope to see him return to the green again.