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Venus Williams involved in car crash, one dead

Venus Williams was involved in a car incident last month which led to the death of a man aged in his 70s.

Venus Williams was involved in a car incident last month which led to the death of a man aged in his 70s. Photo: AP

US police have confirmed tennis star Venus Williams was involved in a car crash in Florida earlier this month that led to the death of a 78-year-old man.

According to TMZ, who broke the story, a police report said a Hyundai Accent, driven by the man’s wife, Linda Barson, crashed into the side of Williams’ vehicle.

Police on Thursday said witnesses saw Williams run a red light in her 2010 Toyota Sequoia SUV in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Ms Barson told investigators that she was approaching the intersection when her light turned green and that she was unable to stop in time.

The New Daily has contacted Palm Beach Gardens city clerk Patricia Snider for the official incident report.

Palm Beach Gardens Police Major Paul Rogers, the Special Operations officer in charge of the investigation, said the investigation is “ongoing”.

He said that due to the nature of the incident, “no further information is releasable at this time”.

Williams, 37, who has a residence in Palm Beach Gardens, was uninjured.

It is understood Ms Barson suffered unspecified “moderate” injuries whilst her passenger, Jerome Barson, sustained serious enough injuries to land him in an intensive care unit. He died last Friday.

Williams told police she had entered the six-lane intersection on a green light but had been forced to stop midpoint by traffic ahead of her.

She said she did not see the Barsons’ car when she crossed into their lanes.

No charges have been laid.

Williams’ lawyer, Malcolm Cunningham, said in a statement that the tennis player expressed “her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one.”

Michael Steinger, who is representing Linda Barson, had no immediate comment.

Williams, the older sister of tennis star Serena Williams, has won seven singles grand slam titles, including five at her favourite tournament, Wimbledon.

She is expected to be questioned over the matter when she makes her 21st Wimbledon appearance next week.

– with wires

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