Williams ‘heartbroken’ over fatal crash
TENNIS star Venus Williams has said she is “heartbroken” over a car crash which led to the death of a man of 78.
Police say Williams, 37, was crossing a junction in her Florida home town on June 9 when her car collided with one driven by Linda Barson, whose husband Jerome was a passenger. Mr Barson died 13 days later.
Civil court documents filed on Friday by the couple’s daughter Audrey GassnerDunayer in Palm Beach County, Florida, claim Williams was “driving carelessly and recklessly” which “led to the catastrophic injuries and death of Jerome Barson”.
The suit says the injuries sustained by Mr Barson include “massive internal bleeding, a fractured spine and massive organ damage”.
Writing on her Facebook page, the five-time Wimbledon champion said: “I am devastated and heartbroken by this accident.
“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, currently ranked 11th in the world, begins her quest for a sixth Wimbledon singles crown as the tournament starts today.
In the absence of pregnant sister Serena, Venus is one of the favourites to win at SW19. She claimed her last Wimbledon title in 2008 but reached the Australian Open final earlier this year.