Cause of accident still unconfirmed
Seemed to have crossed center line causing accident
Undergoing leg surgery... exact condition unknown
Hyundai says "Regret... will pray for Woods"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods was involved in a car rollover accident and underwent emergency leg surgery at a hospital. The vehicle Woods was riding in was a Hyundai Motor Company's Genesis GV80.
The Genesis GV80 vehicle, in which the 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods was riding, is seen rolled off the road after a collision accident. The Genesis logo is displayed on the right door of the vehicle. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]
On the 23rd (local time) at around 7:15 a.m., Woods was involved in an accident in Los Angeles (LA) County, California, and was taken to the hospital, where he is currently undergoing leg surgery.
Woods' manager Mark Steinberg stated in a press release, "Woods was injured in multiple places on his leg due to the car accident," and "He is currently in surgery," but did not disclose further details citing privacy. U.S. media reported that Woods was transported to the hospital in serious condition.
Woods was alone in the vehicle when the collision occurred, after which the vehicle rolled off the road.
The LA County Sheriff also stated that the vehicle was heavily damaged and that hydraulic rescue tools were used to extract Woods from the accident vehicle.
CNN, citing the sheriff's office, reported, "Woods' vehicle crossed the center line and headed into the opposite lane," but the cause of the accident is still unknown.
Woods' vehicle accident received intense attention from U.S. media. The media even deployed helicopters to cover the scene and focused extensively on Woods' crashed vehicle.
AP News reported, "The vehicle appears to have airbags deployed, and the wreckage of the accident vehicle is scattered on the hillside beside the road," adding, "The exact extent of Woods' injuries is not yet known."
The vehicle Woods was riding in was a Hyundai Motor Company's Genesis GV80. The daily USA Today reported that Woods was driving a vehicle still unfamiliar to the American public.
Last week, Woods hosted the PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) Tour tournament '2021 Genesis Invitational' at the Riviera Country Club in California.
This tournament was sponsored by Hyundai's Genesis brand as the title sponsor.
The 2021 Genesis Invitational had a total prize money of $9.5 million, with the winner receiving approximately $1.7 million in prize money and a Genesis SUV GV80 as an award.
At the time, Hyundai stated in a press release, "Genesis will support the development of golf domestically and internationally through tournament sponsorships and will strengthen its position as a luxury brand in the global market."
Jared Pellet, spokesperson for the U.S. Genesis brand, expressed regret after the accident, saying, "We are very sorry that Woods was involved in an accident while riding the GV80," and added, "We will pray for Woods and his family."
Tiger Woods has not participated in any official tournaments for three months since the Masters last November. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation after recent back surgery.
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