Pro-tennis star Venus Williams, 37, was involved in a car accident early this month in Florida, which killed a 78-year-old man. Now, the family of the victim is looking to sue Williams in a wrongful death case, alleging negligence. A police report claims that Williams is at fault in the accident which took an elderly man’s life on June 9th in Palm Beach Gardens.
The victim of the crash is 78-year-old Jerome Barson, who died in the hospital almost two weeks after the crash. The lawsuit states that Barson suffered “severed main arteries, massive internal bleeding, a fractured spine, and massive internal organ damage.”
Barson passed away on his wife’s birthday. Linda Barson turned 68-years-old when her husband passed away in the ICU. The lawsuit states that Linda received a cracked sternum and shattered right arm. Linda also received a broken her right wrist, hand and several fingers. She was the driver of the vehicle that crashed into Williams.
But according to authorities, “(Williams) is at fault for violating the right of way of (the Barsons),” the report said. There is no mention in the report of Williams being cited.”
On the police report, Linda reports driving west in the right lane, and while approaching an intersection, she slowed down and halted for a traffic light. When that light turned green, Baron drove her 2016 Hyundai Accent into the intersection. Then outta nowhere, Williams’ 2010 Toyota Sequoia cut in front of Barson’s vehicle.
Barson told police that she couldn’t avoid the crash.
Williams made a statement for the police regarding the now-fatal crash. According to the report, Williams told authorities that she stopped at the center of the intersection as a result of other traffic. Williams claims to have not seen Barson’s car when she crossed that intersection. According to that same report, Williams’ vehicle was driving at a speed of about 5 mph.
Linda Barson’s attorney, Michael Steinger, released a statement regarding the crash.
“Mrs. Barson is suffering intense grief and doesn’t know how she will go on,” said Steinger. “Her husband of 35 years was struck by Venus Williams, who was at fault in a car accident, which ultimately resulted in Mr. Barson being hospitalized 14 days with multiple surgeries which resulted in his death.”
On Friday evening, Venus Williams took to Facebook to express empathy for the Barsons. “I am devastated and heartbroken by this accident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”
Williams’ attorney Malcolm Cunningham told reporters at CNN that, “Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light. The police report estimates that Ms. Williams was traveling at 5 mph 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.”
Meanwhile, Venus Williams trains in London for Wimbledon, an event she’s won on five occasions. She’s a seven-time Grand Slam champion and might just be in a heap of legal trouble.
Venus Williams, Car Crash: Full Story & Must-See Details
