Venus Williams Involved In A Fatal Car Accident

Tennis star Venus Williams was involved in a car accident in which one man died. The accident occurred on June 9 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The man died two weeks later.

Jerome Barson, the man who died, was 78 years-old and died as a result of head trauma obtained during the crash.

According to E! News, Barson’s wife was behind the wheel and approaching an intersection when Williams’ vehicle, a 2010 Toyota Sequoia SUV, suddenly came into the intersection. Williams, who did not see the Barson’s vehicle approaching, slowed to 5 mph in the middle of the intersection because of traffic ahead of her. She claims that she entered the intersection on a green light, according to her attorney.

“Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light,” Williams’ attorney Malcolm Cunningham, told E!. “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 an Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a love one.”

Other witnesses say that Williams crossed into the intersection on a red light.

The family is expected to file a lawsuit against Williams according to Michael Steinger, the Barson’s attorney. The family is also attempting to get the police to turn over evidence from the case, which they have been unable to gain access to.

“At this point we are attempting to both preserve the evidence and gain access to evidence,” Steinger said on Good Morning America. “There were video cameras placed at guard houses where Ms. Williams lives; police have refused after multiple requests to turn those over to us, and we would like to see visual portrayal of the accident on those videos. They have impounded all the vehicles and have impeded our ability to do our investigation and move forward. Not sure what their reasoning is. They have refused to turn them over to us at this point.”

The four-time Olympic Gold medal winner was not believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor do police suspect her of using her phone or any other electronic device at the time. Williams, 37, is unlikely to face any criminal charges related to the incident.

Williams is expected to play at Wimbledon in London starting this coming Monday. She has won the tournament four times and is currently ranked as the No. 11 women’s tennis player in the world. Her younger sister, Serena Williams, is expecting her first child and will not compete in the tournament. She is currently the reigning champion and ranked fourth.