Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams investigated over car crash that killed 78-year-old man in United States
The world number 11 has not been charged over the incident which left a 78-year-old man dead
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams is being investigated over a fatal car crash in the United States just days before she is due to compete at Wimbledon.
Police say the 37-year-old, who has triumphed at SW19 five times during her career, is to blame for the crash that led to the death of a 78-year-old man, Jerome Barson, according to reports.
Mr Barson was a passenger in his wife's car when Williams’ SUV collided with the couple’s Hyundai Accent after the tennis player drove through a red light near her home in Palm Beach Gardens in Florida on June 9th this year, witnesses reportedly told police.
Mr Barson was put in intensive care after the crash but died two weeks later, while his wife was unharmed.
The world number 11 has not been charged over the incident despite the investigation, while Williams’ lawyer said she expressed her “deepest condolences” and called it an “unfortunate accident”.
Her representatives did not respond when asked how the incident would affect her appearance at the tournament.
Witnesses reportedly said she was driving her 2010 Toyota Sequoia when she went through the red light and into Mrs Barson's saloon car.
But Williams' lawyer Malcolm Cunningham disputed that version of events.
“Ms Williams entered the intersection on a green light,” he said.
“The police report estimates that Ms Williams was travelling at five miles per hour when Mrs Barson crashed into her.
“This is an unfortunate accident and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments