Pro Golfer Andrea Pavan Breaks Silence After Devastating Three-Story Elevator Shaft Fall
Italian professional golfer Andrea Pavan has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering catastrophic injuries in a harrowing three-story fall down an open elevator shaft. The DP World Tour competitor was preparing to compete in the Investec South African Open Championship when the freak accident occurred last Thursday.
The Accident Details
According to verified reports, Pavan fell approximately three stories when elevator doors opened without the car being present at his lodging in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The incident was initially reported by the reputable golf account Monday Q Info, which cited multiple sources close to the situation.
A DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed to Bunkered that Pavan had "withdrew due to injury" from the tournament, though the Tour couldn't provide specific details at the time due to medical confidentiality concerns.
Pavan's Statement and Injuries
In a statement released through the DP World Tour, Pavan expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received since the accident. "I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours," the golfer said. "I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital."
The injuries sustained in the fall were severe. According to a GoFundMe page established to assist Pavan and his family with mounting medical expenses, the golfer suffered:
- A severe shoulder injury requiring surgical intervention
- Multiple fractured vertebrae in his back
- Significant trauma requiring ongoing medical care
"Andrea fell three stories down an open elevator shaft in his lodging when the elevator doors opened with no car present," the fundraising page states. "He was rushed to a local hospital with significant injuries to his shoulder and back, including severe shoulder damage and fractures to several vertebrae."
Recovery and Support
Pavan acknowledged the challenging road ahead in his statement, noting, "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."
The golfer specifically thanked Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor for their assistance during this difficult time. He also expressed appreciation for the numerous players, caddies, and staff who have visited and contacted him since the accident.
Pavan is expected to remain in South Africa for several weeks before medical professionals can evaluate whether he is stable enough to travel back to his home in the United States.
Fundraising Efforts and Career Context
As of Friday afternoon Eastern Time, the GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $45,000 US toward its $100,000 goal. The funds are intended to help cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and additional procedures Pavan will require during his recovery.
Pavan, who was born in Rome, Italy, currently ranks 249th in the world golf rankings. He has competed in three tournaments this season, including the Qatar Masters earlier this month where he missed the cut. The 34-year-old golfer has two DP World Tour victories to his name - the 2018 D+D Real Czech Masters and the 2019 BMW International Open, though he hasn't topped a tournament leaderboard since that latter victory.
His statement concluded with thanks from both himself and his entire family, indicating the widespread impact this accident has had on those closest to him. The golf community continues to rally around Pavan as he begins what promises to be a lengthy and challenging recovery process.
