Tiger Woods Was Driving at "Greater Speed Than Normal" Prior to Car Crash

Hours after news broke that Tiger Woods was involved in a roll-over collision, E! News has learned new details about the crash. See what police are now revealing about the investigation.

By Mike Vulpo Feb 23, 2021 11:51 PMTags
Watch: Tiger Woods' Car Crash Could Have Been Fatal

The investigation into what led to Tiger Woods' car crash continues.

On Tuesday, Feb 23, fans learned more about what happened when police and first responders responded to the 45-year-old golfer after a car crash caused serious injuries to both of his legs.

During a police press conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tiger was likely traveling at a "relatively greater speed than normal" at a stretch of road with a downhill slope that's known for a "high frequency of accidents." The 2021 Genesis Tiger was driving sustained "several rollovers" before a neighbor ended up calling 911.

Sheriff Alex added that Tiger "was able to communicate and he was conscious" when first responders arrived. According to police, there is currently no evidence of impairment and Tiger was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Weather also was not a factor in the crash. 

The update comes after the athlete suffered injuries following a morning car crash in Southern California. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's initial statement, Tiger, the sole occupant, was extricated from the wreck using the jaws of life. Lt. Michael White later clarified to E! News that Tiger was taken out through a window. He also stated Tiger's injuries were non-life threatening and authorities do not believe alcohol was involved.

As the traffic investigation continues, Tiger's agent updated fans on the professional golfer's condition earlier in the day. "Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries," Mark Steinberg said in a statement to NBC News. "He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support."

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Tiger Woods Through the Years

According to Golf Digest, Tiger was in California for a two-day content shoot with the publication and GOLFTV after hosting the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational over the weekend.

Harry How/Getty Images

Just one day before the crash, Tiger was on the golf course spending time with David Spade, Jada Pinkett Smith and fellow athlete Dwyane Wade for the special project. 

The basketball player would reflect on the day with an Instagram post. "The reason I picked up a golf club," Dwyane wrote on Instagram while reflecting on the special day. "Yesterday was a pretty cool day! Thank you @tigerwoods @golfdigest for this dope opportunity!"

Jada added, "Guess who I had the most awesome golf day with yesterdayyyyyy??? Yes! The magnificent @TigerWoods!!! Yes ... dreams come true. I can't wait for you to see my golf journey with Tiger. Stay tuned!" According to Golf Digest, Tiger did not play any holes or hit any balls during the shoot. 

Tiger's latest injury comes as the father of two was pushing to get back in the game after a prior surgery. Shortly after playing alongside his 11-year-old son Charlie Woods at the PNC Championship last December, the athlete underwent a microdiscectomy procedure to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was pinching a nerve. 

In an interview with CBS Sports on Feb. 21, Tiger expressed his hopes of being able to compete at a championship level in the future.

"God, I hope so, I've got to get there first," he shared. "A lot of it is based on my surgeons, my doctors, my therapists, and making sure that I do it correctly because this is the only back I've got, so I don't know how much wiggle room we've left here."

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