Italian golfer Andrea Pavan, aged 36, experienced a terrifying accident and sustained serious injuries when he fell approximately two floors down an elevator shaft. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, just before he was set to participate in the South African Open scheduled for that week. The accident happened when the elevator doors opened while the lift was stationed at another floor, resulting in Pavan's unfortunate fall. Emergency services rushed him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

Pavan was residing in an apartment close to the golf tournament venue, along with other professionals competing in the DP World Tour, near the Stellenbosch Golf Club. According to a spokesperson for the tour, while specific details regarding the extent of Pavan's injuries cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality, they confirmed the injuries are serious but not life-threatening. Reports state that Pavan underwent a six-hour surgery to address fractures in his vertebrae and to insert a metal plate in his shoulder, mark his crucial recovery process.

Despite the severity of his condition, Pavan was able to communicate with a player relations manager the evening of the accident. He spent a second night in the hospital, indicating a slight improvement in his situation. Known for his skills on the golf course, Pavan's incident highlights the unexpected risks that can arise even in routine settings, underscoring the importance of safety in residential and public areas alike.