Italian professional golfer Andrea Pavan has sustained serious injuries following a harrowing fall down an elevator shaft while in South Africa for a golf tournament this week. The 36-year-old athlete, a member of the DP World Tour, was involved in what is being described as a freak accident that required surgical intervention.
Details of the Accident
According to reports from the reputable golf account Monday Q Info on X, Pavan fell several stories after elevator doors opened on his floor, but the elevator car itself was not present. The incident occurred at his private accommodation in South Africa, where he was participating in the Investec South African Open.
Injury Assessment and Response
Sources indicate that Pavan fell approximately three stories and suffered significant shoulder and back injuries. He underwent surgery for several hours, but fortunately, the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed Pavan's withdrawal from the tournament due to injury but cited medical confidentiality in declining to provide further details.
Emotional State and Support
Despite the severity of his injuries, those close to Pavan report that he remains in good spirits. J.T. Higgins, Pavan's former college coach at Texas A&M, told Golf Channel that the golfer is thankful to be alive and has been FaceTiming with his children. Higgins noted that while he hasn't spoken directly to Pavan, he has been receiving regular updates on his condition.
Career Context
Andrea Pavan, born in Rome and currently ranked 249th in the world, has two DP World Tour victories to his name - the 2018 D+D Real Czech Masters and the 2019 BMW International Open. This season, he has competed in three tournaments, including the Qatar Masters earlier this month where he missed the cut.
The golf community has expressed concern for Pavan's wellbeing, with many sending messages of support for his recovery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can occur, even for elite athletes in seemingly safe environments.
