Andrea Pavan Undergoes Surgery After Falling Down Elevator Shaft in South Africa

Italian professional golfer Andrea Pavan survived a dramatic accident on Wednesday, February 26, in the town of Stellenbosch in South Africa. The player fell into an empty elevator shaft at his private accommodation and fell a distance equivalent to three floors. The incident occurred just before the start of the Investec South African Open Championship, in which Pavan was scheduled to compete. According to consistent reports from international media, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and the Italian Il Messaggero, the elevator doors opened for the player, but there was no cabin behind them. Pavan, likely rushing to the golf course, did not check and fell into the void. As a result of the fall, he sustained serious multi-organ injuries, including spinal fractures. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he underwent a complex, six-hour surgery. The procedure aimed to reduce spinal fractures and implant a plate in the shoulder area. Despite extensive injuries, the 36-year-old golfer's condition is not considered immediately life-threatening. His former college coach, JT Higgins, informed the media that Pavan is conscious, in good spirits, moving his legs, and „is grateful to be alive”. Andrea Pavan, born in Rome, is a professional golfer who primarily plays on the European DP World Tour. His greatest success is winning the BMW International Open in 2019. He currently holds the 249th position in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Accidents of this type are extremely rare in the world of professional golf, where injuries are usually related to overuse of the musculoskeletal system, not sudden random events. The accident had immediate sporting consequences. Pavan, who was registered to participate in the South African Open, had to withdraw from the tournament. His place in the field was taken by Scottish player Richie Ramsay. The tour organizer, DP World Tour, officially confirmed the change but did not provide further comments on the circumstances of the accident or the Italian's health condition. The news of the incident was first reported by golf journalist Ryan French via his Monday Q Info account on X, and later confirmed by The Athletic. The case shocked the golf community, and fellow players and fans massively expressed their support on social media. At this stage, no estimates are known regarding the recovery time or potential return date for Pavan to professional play. „By all accounts, he's in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids.” —