Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has issued his first public statement expressing profound gratitude to supporters following a horrific accident that left him seriously injured earlier this week.
The 35-year-old, who had been preparing to compete in the Investec South African Open Championship, plummeted three floors down an open lift shaft at his private accommodation near Stellenbosch Golf Club on Wednesday.
The two-time DP World Tour champion underwent extensive surgery and is now recuperating in hospital, facing what he acknowledges will be a lengthy rehabilitation process.
His message, released today, thanked the many well-wishers who have reached out since news of the incident emerged.
Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has been forced to withdraw from the South African Open following what is being described as a freak accident prior to the tournament | GETTYThe accident occurred when Pavan pressed the lift button at his accommodation, then briefly returned to his room after realising he had forgotten something.
Upon coming back, the lift car had been summoned to another floor, yet the doors had failed to close properly.
Stepping forward without realising the car was absent, the Italian fell three storeys down the empty shaft.
He sustained severe damage to his shoulder alongside multiple fractures to several vertebrae.
Medical teams rushed him to hospital, where he underwent a six-hour operation on Wednesday evening to address the vertebral fractures and implant a plate in his shoulder.
In his statement, Pavan said: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours.”
Andrea Pavan has been forced to withdraw from the South African Open following the freak accident | GETTYHe continued: “I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital.”
The golfer acknowledged the challenging road ahead, stating: “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.”
Pavan also expressed particular appreciation for Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor, adding: “I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.”
Andrea Pavan pictured playing earlier this month | GETTYReflecting on the ordeal, Pavan added: “The last two days have been difficult, but I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me.
“Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”
A crowdfunding campaign established by his former college teammate Matt van Zandt has already surpassed $30,000, with numerous DP World Tour members among the contributors.
Pavan claimed his two European tour victories at the 2018 Czech Masters and the 2019 BMW International Open.
He currently sits 249th in the Official World Golf Ranking.