Tiger Woods arrested for DUI in Florida 2017, seriously injured in California rollover crash 2021
Tiger Woods, American professional golfer with a record 15 major championships including five Masters titles, has faced two serious road incidents involving his vehicle in recent years.[1]
On February 23, 2021, Woods crashed his Genesis SUV in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The vehicle struck a median curb, rolled over, and came to rest severely damaged after travelling at 84-87 mph in a 45 mph zone, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.[2]
Woods suffered multiple open fractures and dislocations to his right lower leg and underwent emergency surgery followed by additional procedures. Firefighters used hydraulic tools to extricate him from the wreckage. No other vehicles were involved and no criminal charges resulted from the investigation.[2]
On May 29, 2017, Woods was arrested in Jupiter, Florida, by Palm Beach County deputies for driving under the influence after being found asleep at the wheel of a parked Mercedes at about 3 a.m. Toxicology reports confirmed prescription drugs including hydrocodone but no alcohol.[1]
Woods disclosed undergoing multiple back surgeries leading up to the 2017 incident and stated the medications were prescribed. He completed a pretrial diversion program and the DUI charge was dropped.[1]
The incidents occurred amid Woods' ongoing recovery from multiple spinal fusion and other surgeries that have limited his PGA Tour appearances.[1][2]
Sources
- BBC Sport. "Tiger Woods arrested on suspicion of DUI in Florida." May 29, 2017. https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/40084322
- The New York Times. "Update on Tiger Woods’s Crash: 2 Rolls, High Speed and Serious Leg Injuries." February 24, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/sports/golf/tiger-woods-crash.html
