Tiger Woods Cut From Wreckage In Rollover Crash, Hospitalized

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA — PGA golfer Tiger Woods was seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash early Tuesday near Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, officials said.

ALSO: Road Where Woods Crashed A Problem Spot For Locals, Deputies Say

Woods was alone in the vehicle when it crashed into a raised median, crossed two oncoming lanes and rolled over several times. Woods was trapped inside the wreckage, which was reported around 7:12 a.m., officials from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a news conference.

ALSO: Tiger Woods Recovering In Hospital After Rollover Crash

Firefighters used an ax and other tools to pull the 45-year-old from the SUV through the windshield, officials said. Woods was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he was reportedly undergoing surgery for multiple leg injuries. No other vehicles were involved.

Woods was not able to stand on his feet following the crash, Deputy Carlos Gonzalez said.

"It's very fortunate that Tiger Woods was able to come out of this alive," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez was the first to arrive at the crash and found him seated in the vehicle, wearing a seat belt, he said.

He was stable but had serious injuries. The seatbelt helped save his life, he added.

"I kept Mr. Woods calm until L.A. County fire arrived on scene," Gonzalez said. "He told me his name was Tiger and at that point I immediately recognized him."

No evidence of impairment was found at the crash, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Alex Villanueva said. The SUV was towed to Lomita where it will be examined during the ongoing investigation.

Woods was driving the SUV downhill on a curve, heading northbound on Hawthorne when he crashed into a "Welcome to Rolling Hills Estates" sign in the center median, hit a tree, then the car rolled over and fell into the brush, Villanueva said. Neighbors reported the crash. The front end of the car was completely destroyed, although his airbags did deploy.

The road is considered a traffic problem area for locals, Gonzalez said.

He was found bleeding but conscious, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby said.

"Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries," Woods' agent Mark Steinberg told Golf Digest. "He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support."

Woods was the host for the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational over the weekend. He was reportedly driving a 2021 Genesis GV80.

Genesis confirms that Tiger Woods was driving the Genesis GV80 SUV when he crashed in the L.A. area: "Genesis was saddened to learn that Tiger Woods had been in an accident in a GV80. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tiger and his family at this time."
— Nathan Bomey (@NathanBomey) February 23, 2021

He was in California for a two-day Golf Digest/GOLFTV shoot, even spending time with Dwayne Wade.

Dwyane Wade: How good am I?
Tiger Woods: Good

( @dwyanewade via IG) pic.twitter.com/UQUfNJWa0A
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) February 23, 2021

Woods was recovering from back surgery in December and said he was hoping to return to playing.

He has battled back issues in recent years, last competed in a golf tournament on Dec. 20, at the PNC Championship in Orlando. He subsequently had surgery to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was pinching a nerve, his first surgery since undergoing a spinal fusion in April 2017.

Woods came back from that operation to win the 2019 Masters, his 15th major title, second only to Jack Nicklaus' 18.

The roads were closed for hours during the investigation. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and consider alternative routes.

The crash happened Tuesday before 7:12 a.m. near Southbound Hawthorne Boulevard at Palos Verdes Drive, officials said. All lanes were reopened shortly after 5 p.m. on Hawthorne Boulevard between Blackhorse and Palos Verdes Drive North.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies from the Lomita Station were investigating the crash.

Woods' car sustained major damage in the crash, officials said.

The PGA Tour commented on Woods' accident, along with PGA golfer Jack Nicklaus.

PGA TOUR Statement on Tiger Woods pic.twitter.com/Drmrvw04zI
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) February 23, 2021

Barbara and I just heard about Tiger’s accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned. We want to offer him our heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery.
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) February 23, 2021

Story updated with statement from Woods' agent Mark Steinberg:

"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."https://t.co/z7kdbXOmLZ
— Daniel Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) February 23, 2021

This morning @LMTLASD responded to a roll-over collision in which @TigerWoods was injured. Please see our statement... pic.twitter.com/cSWOxKZC1w
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) February 23, 2021

BREAKING: Tiger Woods transported to hospital with injuries following vehicle crash with "major damage," LA County Sheriff's Dept. says. pic.twitter.com/hxcGYAig8D
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 23, 2021

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story reported from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department that "jaws of life" tools were used to extricate Tiger Woods. This is incorrect. An ax and other tools were used.