Ace golfer Tiger Woods was seriously injured on Tuesday after his car crashed into a median and rolled over, ending up crumpled near a steep road in suburban Los Angeles. While reports said the golfer was "lucky to be alive," he is nonetheless in a bad way. According to reports, Woods has suffered a shattered ankle and two leg fractures, including a compound one.
No other cars were involved. The 45-year-old was alert and able to communicate as firefighters pried open the front windshield to get him out. As per a statement released by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, he had to be extricated from the wreck with the help of the jaws of life tool. Woods has been hospitalised, and later reports indicated that the sports icon had undergone leg surgery.
Woods' illustrious career has in recent years been plagued by a series of back and knee injuries, and many fear that the recent accident could become yet another setback. The accident comes at a time when the golfer was recovering from a 23 December surgery on his lower back. It was his fifth back surgery and first since his lower spine was fused in April 2017.
He had last played on 20 December in the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, an unofficial event where players are paired with parents or children. He had played with his son Charlie.
News of his accident has become a major topic of discussion online, with many taking to the micro-blogging platform to pray for his speedy recovery. Many, including former US President Barack Obama, referred to him as the "GOAT of golf."
"Sending my prayers to Tiger Woods and his family tonight—here’s to a speedy recovery for the GOAT of golf. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s to never count Tiger out," Obama tweeted.
"Fight Tiger Woods like the champion you are for your kids and the world. Love and prayers," tweeted Mike Tyson.
Fellow golfer Justin Thomas, who is presently ranked World Number 3, said that he was feeling "sick to my stomach" after receiving the news.
"Praying for Tiger Woods and hoping for an amazing recovery. Thinking about his entire family and team, as all of us are sending our best wishes. We know TW is a fighter. Get well soon," he added.
"Tiger Woods, just seen the awful news. We know how tough you are, we’ve seen it a hundred times. Hoping and praying you’re ok my friend," wrote golfer Justin Rose.
They are not alone. A slew of tweets from sportsmen and other celebrity figures have also lent their support to Woods. "Prayers up Tiger Woods," read a simple post from basketball player Isaiah Thomas.
"Praying for my brother Tiger Woods as we all anxiously await more news. Thinking of him and his entire family," read a post from Baseball shortstop Alex Rodriguez.
Take a look at some of the other posts:
(With inputs from agencies)
