The sports world and community of Bradenton, Florida, are in a state of profound shock and grief this Christmas morning following a tragic car accident late on Christmas Eve involving world number one golfer Nelly Korda and her fiancé, professional athlete Andreas Athanasiou. The crash, described by Florida Highway Patrol as a multi-vehicle collision, resulted in one fatality and left Korda and Athanasiou hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
According to preliminary reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just after 10:00 PM on State Road 70 in clear weather conditions. A preliminary statement indicates a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center median for reasons still under investigation, causing a chain-reaction collision. The driver of that vehicle, a 58-year-old man from Sarasota, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Korda, 26, and Athanasiou, 29, a forward for the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, were traveling together in a separate vehicle. First responders used specialized tools to extricate them from the wreckage. Both were conscious when transported to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. Hospital officials released a brief statement early this morning confirming the couple is in stable condition, being treated for multiple injuries including fractures and lacerations. They are expected to make a full physical recovery.
News of the accident has sent waves of sorrow through the tight-knit worlds of professional golf and hockey. The LPGA Tour issued a statement saying, “We are devastated by the news of the accident involving Nelly and Andreas. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the family of the deceased. Nelly is not just our champion; she is our family. We are holding her and Andreas in our thoughts and offering our full support.”
The PGA of America, USGA, and a host of fellow athletes—from Tiger Woods to Serena Williams—have flooded social media with messages of support and condolence. The Chicago Blackhawks organization also released a somber statement, offering support to the Athanasiou family and echoing condolences to the family of the deceased.
The tragedy casts a dark shadow over what had been a celebratory holiday season for Korda. The 12-time LPGA Tour winner and Olympic gold medalist capped a historic 2024 season, winning two major championships and solidifying her place atop the women’s game. She and Athanasiou, who became engaged in the summer, had been sharing festive moments with their families in Florida.
Florida Highway Patrol emphasized that the investigation into the exact cause of the crash is “active and ongoing,” with toxicology reports pending. They have asked for any witnesses to come forward.
For now, the focus remains on the profound loss of life and the recovery of two young sports stars. As the community grapples with this “Black Christmas,” tributes pour in not just for Korda’s athletic prowess, but for the life lost in a moment of holiday tragedy. The accident is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who seem invincible in the arena.