Tennis gun Venus Williams has been ruled responsible for a car crash that resulted in the death of an elderly passenger, a police report has revealed.
Palm Beach Gardens police stated that on June 9th, Williams ran a red light, causing a crash that injured 78-year-old Jerome Barson. Barson subsequently died as a result of his injuries two weeks later.
Mr Barson’s wife was driving an SUV that crashed into the side of Williams’ car. Mrs. Barson suffered unspecified moderate injuries. Williams was unhurt in the incident.
Williams told investigators that she had entered a six-lane intersection on a green light, but was forced to stop midway by traffic. She did not see Barson’s vehicle enter the intersection as she entered their lane.
Linda Barson stated that she approached the intersection just as her lights turned green, and did not have time to stop once Williams’ car ventured into their path.
Police have asserted that the crash is still under investigation, but Williams has not been cited or charged over the incident. She was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.
Legal representatives for the 37-year-old 7-time Grand Slam singles champion issued a statement after the report was released, stating that Williams expressed “her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one.“
Williams last major tournament effort saw her reach the fourth round in the recent French Open.
Source: ABC News.
Photo: Aurelien Meunier/Getty.
