Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has sustained multiple injuries after falling three floors down a lift shaft in South Africa.
The accident took place at Pavan’s lodging in Stellenbosch ahead of the South African Open, with Pavan falling when the lift doors opened but there was no lift car in the shaft, according to a GoFundMe page set up by former team-mate Matt van Zandt.
Pavan – a two-time DP World Tour winner – was rushed to the local hospital, where he was confirmed to have significant injuries to his shoulder and back, including severe shoulder damage and fractures to several vertebrae.
Andrea Pavan is a two-time winner on the DP World Tour
Pavan has already undergone surgery on his back and shoulder. He is expected to remain in hospital in South Africa, where he will receive continued medical care before being evaluated for travel back to the United States.
In a statement, Pavan said: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours. I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital.
“I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me, but the care I have received so far from the Mediclinic hospital staff has been incredible, as has the support from the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch. I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.
“The last two days have been difficult, but I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me.
“Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”
The fundraiser, set up to support his wife Audra and their three children with medical bills, has seen professional golfers donating, including Richard Mansell, Nacho Elvira and Jhonattan Vegas.
Pavan’s former college coach JT Higgins told Golf Channel: “By all accounts, he’s in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids.”
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