Venus Williams’ lawyer responds to fatal crash reports, lawsuit from deceased’s family

Tennis star Venus Williams’s lawyer released a statement addressing Williams involvement in a fatal car crash on June 9 in Palm Beach, Fla. and the lawsuit filed by the deceased’s family.

According to Palm Beach Gardens police, witnesses said Williams ran a red light, striking the car of Jerome and Lisa Barson on June 9. Jerome, 78, was injured and died two weeks later on June 22 reportedly from injuries sustained in the crash.

Williams’ lawyer Malcolm Cunningham released a statement on Thursday stating Williams had not been charged or cited for her involvement in the June 9 crash, according to the New York Times.

Cunningham also said he was aware of the lawsuit by the deceased’s family, but declined to comment further.

“Ms. Williams entered the intersection on a green light,” the statement said. “The police report estimates that Ms. Williams was traveling at 5 m.p.h. 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.”

Cunningham said Williams was not ticketed or charged, according to the New York Times.

Williams, who was unhurt in the incident, has not personally addressed the report.

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