Police say Venus Williams was at fault for the fatal car accident that saw a 78-year-old die in a hospital as a result of critical injuries.
The incident took place on June 9 at an intersection in Palm Beach Gardens, where Linda Barson was driving with her husband, Jerome, when their vehicle collided with Williams’ 2010 Toyota Sequoia SUV, CBS Miami reported.
The Barsons both reportedly sustained injuries in the accident. Jerome Barson suffered head trauma and was admitted to the hospital, where he died two weeks later, the station said.
Linda Barson escaped with broken bones, but also had to be hospitalized.
According to the accident report, Linda Barson told police she had approached the intersection and slowed for the traffic light, CNN reported. When it turned green, she proceeded through the intersection when Williams allegedly cut across in-front of her, making the collision unavoidable.
However, Williams told police traffic had forced her to stop in the median of the intersection, CNN noted.
She claimed to have not seen the Barsons’ vehicle when crossing the intersection, at an estimated speed of 5 mph.
According to the accident report, Williams had violated the right of way of the Barsons, putting her at fault.
Jerome Barson's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Williams, CNN reported.
Williams' lawyer, Malcolm Cunningham, said his client had not been charged or cited for any traffic violations.
In a statement, he said: "This is an unfortunate accident, and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one.”
Williams is in final preparation ahead of Wimbledon 2017, which commences on July 3.
She is currently ranked 11th in the world, according to the Wimbledon website. She has played 19 championships and won the coveted title five times, in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008.
Her career prize money amounts to $36,520,636.
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