Report: Venus Williams At Fault In Fatal Car Crash
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PALM BEACH (CBSMiami) – Tennis star Venus Williams was reportedly at fault for a car accident that sent a 78-year-old man to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
According to the accident report, at 1 p.m. on June 9th, Williams was driving through an intersection in Palm Beach Gardens when she struck the car of Jerome Barson. His wife, Linda, was driving.
Jerome Barson suffered head trauma from the accident, and was placed in the ICU. He died two weeks after the car crash.
His wife was also taken to a hospital with broken bones and other injuries, but survived.
In the report, Williams, 37, was driving north and tried to make it through the intersection.
She told police traffic caused her to slow down, and she did not see the Barsons, who had a green light and were traveling west.
Police said Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, was at fault because she violated the other driver's right of way.
According to police, there is no indication Williams was intoxicated or distracted by her phone.
Linda Barson is being represented by Michael Steinger from the well-known firm Steinger, Iscoe and Greene.
Williams released a statement through her attorney.
"Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light. The police report estimates that Ms. Williams was traveling at 5 miles per hour when Mrs. Barson crashed into her. Authorities did not issue Ms. Williams with any citations or traffic violations. This is an unfortunate accident and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one."