DP World Tour golfer Andrea Pavan knows he has “a lot of rehab and hard work ahead” as he recovers from back and shoulder injuries sustained in a freak elevator accident earlier this week.
In a statement Friday, the 36-year-old Italian golfer expressed gratitude for the well-wishes he received after falling three stories down an elevator shaft in South Africa, where he was set to contend in this week’s Investec South African Open Championship.
“I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours. I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in hospital,” Pavan began.
“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. I am also very grateful for all the help [South African businessman] Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.”
Pavan, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, “was badly injured” in an elevator incident after “the doors opened on the floor he was on but the car itself wasn’t there,” noted golf account Monday Q Info reported Thursday.
The incident transpired at Pavan’s personal accommodations, according to reports.
A GoFundMe has since been launched to help with the medical costs of Pavan’s recovery. More than $44,000 of a $100,000 goal has been raised as of Friday.
“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,” Pavan said in Friday’s statement.
“Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”
Pavan and Audra have been married since 2014.
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