Andrea Pavan, a 36-year-old professional golfer from Italy, is recovering in a hospital after falling several floors down an elevator shaft. The accident happened in Stellenbosch, South Africa, just days before he was set to play in the South African Open. Reports indicate the elevator doors opened, but the lift car was not there, causing Pavan to fall into the empty space.
"The DP World Tour confirmed he withdrew from injury but did not offer any more details due to medical privacy." — Official Statement Summary
Pavan suffered multiple serious injuries after falling two to three stories in a private residence; he underwent several hours of surgery on February 25 and has withdrawn from professional competition.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual | Andrea Pavan (Professional Golfer) |
| Location | Private accommodation in Stellenbosch, South Africa |
| Date of Incident | Approximately February 25, 2026 |
| Fall Distance | Reported as 2 to 3 floors |
| Medical Action | Multi-hour surgery performed on Wednesday |
| Tournament Status | Withdrawn from South African Open; replaced by Richie Ramsay |
Timeline of the Event in Stellenbosch
Andrea Pavan arrived in South Africa to compete in the Investec South African Open at the Stellenbosch Golf Club. Unlike many other players who stayed in official tour housing, Pavan was staying at a private property.
On Wednesday, shortly before the tournament began, the mechanical failure occurred. Witnesses and initial reports state that when Pavan went to use the elevator, the outer doors functioned correctly and opened. However, the elevator car—the part people stand in—was on a different floor. Pavan stepped into the dark opening and fell.
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Wednesday Morning: Reports of a "freak accident" begin to surface within the golf community.
Wednesday Afternoon: Pavan undergoes "hours of surgery" to treat injuries to his body.
Thursday: The South African Open begins without Pavan; the DP World Tour confirms his withdrawal.
Thursday Evening: Updates confirm that while his injuries are serious, they are not life-threatening.
Technical Details and Safety Observations
The primary focus of the investigation involves the failure of the elevator's safety interlocks. These are the mechanical or electronic locks that prevent doors from opening if the car is not present.
Mechanical Failure vs. Human Error
Some reports suggest the doors opened normally, which would point toward a mechanical or electrical failure of the lift system. If the doors were forced open, it would change the nature of the investigation. Currently, the evidence points toward the lift system failing to detect that the car was missing from that floor.
Private vs. Official Lodging
There is a distinction between where the players are encouraged to stay and where Pavan was located.
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Official Tour Housing: Usually vetted for safety and security by tournament organizers.
Private Quarters: The responsibility for maintenance and safety inspections rests with the private property owner.
Investigators may look into when the lift was last inspected and if it met South African safety building codes.
Impact on Professional Standing
Andrea Pavan is a two-time winner on the DP World Tour and currently holds a world ranking of 249. Before this accident, he had shown consistent form with two top-15 finishes earlier in the year.
The Physical Recovery: Medical experts note that falls from such heights often result in broken bones or spinal trauma. While the surgery was successful, the length of time Pavan will be away from the sport is currently unknown. The Career Path: At 36, a long recovery could impact his ability to keep his "tour card," which is the permit required to play in top-level tournaments.
Official Statements and Privacy
The DP World Tour has remained quiet regarding the specific medical details of the case. This is standard practice to protect the privacy of the athlete.
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"Andrea Pavan was badly injured after falling multiple floors down an elevator shaft in South Africa… keep Pavan and his family in their thoughts." — Monday Q Info (Ryan French)
Reporters on the ground at the Stellenbosch Golf Club noted a somber mood among the players. Richie Ramsay, who took Pavan's spot in the tournament, started play on Thursday while Pavan remained under medical supervision.
Summary of Findings
The evidence shows that Andrea Pavan fell a significant distance due to a malfunctioning elevator in a private home. He is currently alive and stable following surgery.
Safety Failure: The elevator doors opened without the car present, a rare but dangerous mechanical error.
Medical Status: The golfer is "thankful to be alive" but has suffered injuries that require a long period of healing.
Next Steps: Authorities or insurance investigators will likely examine the lift's maintenance records at the private Stellenbosch property.
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