Key Status and Details at a Glance
Below are the essential verified attributes related to Tiger Woods’ father and his death. These points summarize the most reliably reported facts and context commonly referenced in retrospective explainers.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Earl Woods | Reputable biographical sources |
| Relationship to Tiger Woods | Father | Public family records, interviews |
| Date of Death | May 3, 2007 | Obituaries, news archives |
| Age at Death | 74 | Obituaries, news archives |
| Reported Cause of Death | Cancer (specifically, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus) | Obituaries, public statements |
| Place of Death | California, United States | Reported in obituaries |
Introduction and Core Clarification
Earl Woods, the father of professional golfer Tiger Woods, died on May 3, 2007, at age 74 from squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. His passing was reported by multiple reputable outlets at the time, and the details above compile information from those obituaries and statements. This status clarifier is intended to present a clear, verified explanation of the circumstances, relationships, and timeline, avoiding speculation and focusing on what has been reliably documented in public records and news reporting.
Earl Woods: Background and Role
Earl Woods was a significant presence in Tiger Woods’ early life, often cited as a guiding and influential figure. Born in 1932, Earl worked in the military and as a guidance counselor, and he played an instrumental role in introducing young Tiger to golf. Understanding his background provides context for the impact of his death on Tiger’s personal and professional trajectory.
Key Biographical Points
- Full name: Earl Dennison Woods
- Birth date: August 25, 1932
- Birthplace: Manhattan, Kansas, United States
- Military service: U.S. Army officer
- Profession: Guidance counselor, later worked in public relations for military-related organizations
- Family: Married to Kultida (Tida) Woods; father to Tiger Woods and other children
Circumstances of Death and Medical Details
Earl Woods’ death was attributed to cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This form of cancer can be aggressive, and the reported details indicate a battle with the disease prior to his passing. Public obituaries and statements at the time framed his death as related to this illness, with care and support from his family, including Tiger Woods, noted in coverage.
Medical Context
- Primary diagnosis: Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
- General treatment approaches for this condition may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, depending on staging and patient factors
- Prognosis and outcomes vary by case; the focus in reporting was on his care and family support during his illness
Timeline of Key Events
This timeline outlines the major publicly reported points around Earl Woods’ illness and death, based on obituaries and reputable news coverage. It helps clarify the sequence without adding unverified detail.
Chronological Points
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August 25, 1932 | Earl Woods born | Establishes his background and age context |
| 1996 | Diagnosed with prostate cancer | Earlier health challenge treated successfully; noted in biographies |
| 2006 | Diagnosed with esophageal cancer | Illness that preceded his death; reported in cancer-related obituaries |
| May 3, 2007 | Passage at age 74 | Reported date of death in obituaries and public records |
Impact on Tiger Woods and Family
The death of Earl Woods affected Tiger Woods and his immediate family, as would be expected given their close relationship. Public statements at the time acknowledged the loss and the role Earl played in Tiger’s upbringing. While the focus here is not on private grief, recognizing the familial impact is a factual part of explaining the event and its personal context.
Reliable Sources and Verification Notes
The details above are drawn from publicly available obituaries, reputable news outlets, and authoritative biographical references. When discussing personal matters such as cause of death and family relationships, the emphasis is on consistency across multiple credible reports rather than on singular, unverified claims.
FAQ
Reader questions
What was the cause of Earl Woods’ death?
Earl Woods died from squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, as reported in his obituaries and public statements.
When did Tiger Woods’ father die?
He died on May 3, 2007, at the age of 74.
How old was Earl Woods at the time of his death?
He was 74 years old at the time of his death.
Where did Earl Woods pass away?
He passed away in California, United States, according to reported obituary details.
Did Tiger Woods publicly acknowledge his father’s death?
Yes, public statements and tributes at the time acknowledged his father’s passing and recognized his influence on Tiger’s life and career.