Italian professional golfer Andrea Pavan experienced a shocking incident while traveling in South Africa this past Wednesday. After ordering an elevator at his accommodation near Cape Town, Pavan stepped forward when the doors opened, only to discover too late that the elevator car was not present as expected. The fall was significant, as he plummeted three stories into the elevator shaft, sustaining severe injuries to his back and shoulder, necessitating surgical intervention that evening.

The alarming incident was reported by Monday Q Info on their Instagram account as well as Golf Channel. According to his former university coach, J.T. Higgins, despite the seriousness of his injuries, Pavan is in good spirits and grateful to be alive, maintaining contact with his children through FaceTime. The surgery reportedly lasted for several hours, emphasizing the gravity of his condition but also showcasing a resilient attitude as he starts his recovery.

At 36 years old, Andrea Pavan is a notable figure in professional golf, being a two-time winner on the European Tour. Unfortunately, due to his injuries, Pavan was compelled to withdraw from the South African Open, which commenced on Thursday at Stellenbosch Golf Club, marking a significant event in his professional schedule. This incident underscores the unpredictable dangers that can arise even during routine activities, and the sports community is rallying in support of Pavan during his recovery journey.