Venus Williams is facing a lawsuit over a Florida car crash last month in which 78-year-old Jerome Barson was killed.
The Palm Beach County Court Clerk’s Office confirmed that Barson’s family filed the lawsuit Friday against the tennis star, the Associated Press reported.
On Thursday, the Palm Beach Gardens police released a report saying Williams caused a June 9 crash that left Barson seriously injured with head trauma, leading to his death two weeks later. However, the 37-year-old Grand Slam champion has not been cited or charged.
Witnesses, including the victim’s wife Linda, say that Williams’ SUV crossed in front of the Barsons’ sedan after the couple’s light turned green. Williams told investigators her light was green when she entered the six-lane intersection but she got stopped midpoint by traffic and didn’t see the Barsons’ car before she crossed their lane, his car then T-boned hers. Williams told police that she didn’t have time to stop.
Williams’ attorney Malcolm Cunningham told TMZ on Thursday: “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.”
There was no evidence Venus was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Cops also said there’s no evidence Williams was distracted by an electronic device.