US tennis star Venus Williams has been involved in a car crash that led to the death of a 78-year-old man.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for Palm Beach Gardens police in Florida confirmed to the BBC they were investigating a fatal crash involving the Grand Slam champion.<\/p>\n
A man was taken to hospital after the accident on 9 June and died two weeks later from his injuries, he said.<\/p>\n
Police believe she was at fault but her lawyer says it was an accident. She has not been cited or charged.<\/p>\n
The man who died, Jerome Barson, was travelling with his wife who was driving their vehicle through an intersection when the collision happened.<\/p>\n
Ms Williams’ car suddenly darted into their path and was unable to clear the junction in time due to traffic jams, according to witness statements in a police report obtained by US media.<\/p>\n
Mrs Barson was also taken to hospital but survived.<\/p>\n
“[Ms Williams] is at fault for violating the right of way of [the other driver],” the report said, adding that there were no other factors like drugs, alcohol or mobile phone distractions.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old, seven-time Grand Slam champion reportedly told police she did not see the couple’s car and she was driving slowly.<\/p>\n
Ms Williams’ lawyer Malcolm Cunningham told CNN in a statement: “Ms Williams entered the intersection on a green light. The police report estimates that Ms Williams was travelling at 5mph when Mrs Barson crashed into her.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Next week, Ms Williams is due to play her 20th Wimbledon tournament in London, where she is seeded 10th.<\/p>\n
Ms Williams and her sister Serena have dominated the women’s game for two decades.<\/p>\n
Source: bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"