Venus Williams Won’t Be Charged In Fatal Three-Car Crash
After being held responsible for the death of a 78-year-old man, tennis star Venus Williams will not be charged for the fatal car crash.
On June 9, 2017, Williams was involved in a three-car crash in Palm Beach, Florida that left Jerome Barson, a passenger dead. Jerome, 78, was the passenger in his wife's, Linda Barson's car and passed away thirteen days after the crash. His death was due to organ failure and several collisions. Barson suffered a broken arm and other injuries, while Williams was not injured.
Williams' 2010 Toyota Sequoia was T-boned at an intersection by Barson's 2016 Hyundai Accent in Palm Beach Gardens. Police concluded that the third unidentified vehicle trapped Williams' SUV in the intersection as she tried to cross a busy six-lane highway near her home.
As previously reported, Williams was unable to contain her emotions when she was asked about the crash during a press conference. On June 30, 2017, the tennis pro took to Facebook to send her condolences to the family of Barson.
"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 wrote.
Williams Can Sigh With Relief
Initially, Williams was to blame, but authorities later clarified that she had lawfully entered the intersection in July 2017.
According to police reports, Williams, Barson and the other vehicle should not face charges as neither of them was at fault in the crash.
Is Williams Really In The Clear?
Michael Steinger, the Barson's family attorney claims that the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department's conclusions are wrong.
"Ms. Williams clearly violated our clients right of way because our client had a green light, as indicated in each and every police report issued in this case to date," Steinger said. Steinger further explained that his client is going to continue to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the athlete.
"The report is further inaccurate because the video surveillance does no indicated the color of Ms. Williams' light and does not support the police department's conclusion," Steinger continued. Williams' attorney believes that she had right to proceed through the intersection, including those with a red light changing to green.
"As this process moves forward, she remains deeply saddened by the loss suffered by the Barson family and continues to keep them in her thoughts and prayers." Williams' attorney said. Once the report was released, the tennis pro did not respond to ABC News' request for comment.
