"Thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with kids”: Andrea Pavan's ex-coach gives health update after golfer fell down elevator shaft

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is recovering in the hospital after a serious accident in South Africa, and those close to him say he is fortunate to be alive. The 36-year-old fell three floors down an elevator shaft while staying at private accommodation during the week of the Investec South African Open in Cape Town. The DP World Tour confirmed that he withdrew from the tournament due to injury. An encouraging update has since come from his former college coach, J.T. Higgins. Speaking to Golfchannel.com, Higgins said, “By all accounts, he’s in good spirits, thankful to be alive and FaceTiming with his kids.” The comment has reassured fans and fellow players who were shocked by the news.The accident took place on Wednesday, before the tournament began. According to reports first shared by golf journalist Ryan French and later verified by The Athletic, Pavan called for the elevator at his accommodation. When the doors opened, the elevator car was not there. He stepped forward and fell down the shaft. He was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery. A GoFundMe page set up by former Texas A&M teammate Matt Van Zandt explains that Pavan suffered “significant injuries to his shoulder and back, including severe shoulder damage and fractures to several vertebrae.” The page also states that he has already undergone at least one major operation and is expected to require further medical procedures.Because of the extent of his injuries, Pavan is expected to remain in South Africa for several weeks before doctors evaluate whether he can safely travel back to the United States. The fundraiser notes that the money raised will go toward “medical expenses, extended stay in South Africa, transportation back home to the Dallas area, ongoing medical care and hopefully some extra to ease the uncertainty of his professional golf future.” More than $27,000 has been raised so far.Pavan turned professional in 2010 and has recorded eight professional victories, including two on the DP World Tour. He has competed in three major championships, with his most notable win coming at the 2019 BMW International Open after a playoff win over Matt Fitzpatrick. Pavan is currently ranked world No. 249 and most recently competed at the Qatar Masters earlier this month, where he missed the cut.For now, competition is secondary. The priority is recovery, rehabilitation and returning home safely to his wife and three children.