Golf icon Tiger Woods was traveling 83mph in a 45mph zone when he lost control of his car and crashed in California in February, reports in the US have stated, citing Los Angeles County police.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva had revealed on Tuesday that he would shed more light on the matter, and one day later details emerged that the star was traveling almost 40mph (64kph) over the limit when he crashed.
BREAKING : Authorities say speed was primary factor in wreck that badly injured Tiger Woods. He lost control of the vehicle going 83 mph in 45 zone.
Previously saying that detectives had gotten to the bottom of the matter but that there were privacy concerns, Villanueva also needed Woods’ permission to divulge information.
According to US outlet TMZ, police determined that speed “was the sole cause of the crash.”
They also report that Woods waived his right of privacy and allowed the release of the details of the crash, more information on which will follow at a news conference later on Wednesday.
Woods suffered severe leg injuries and continues his recuperation in Florida after additional operations.
Woods was driving a Genesis SUV – loaned to him by organizers at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club – when he struck a raised median just outside California’s largest city in Rolling Hills Estates.
The vehicle crossed over two oncoming lanes, while also uprooting a tree downhill on a stretch that authorities said is notorious for dangerous wrecks.
Never going a full calendar year without taking to the greens since his breakthrough as a 16-year-old professional, Woods will miss The Masters tournament this week, having won the title in 2019 as part of roaring career revival.
Set to kick off tomorrow, some fans and pundits have lamented that the green jacket competition just won’t be the same without five-time winner Woods and his iconic red shirt.
