Police have rescinded their conclusion that Venus Williams was at fault for a car crash that resulted in the death of 78-year-old Jerome Barson. The weight of a fatal crash in June was becoming overwhelming for the tennis star. She could not even finish her press conference after her victory in the early rounds at Wimbledon this past week as she first dissolved in tears and then began sobbing before leaving the podium.
However, there is some good news for the 37-year-old that should ease her emotional pain — though a man remains deceased and his widow is recovering with broken bones and no husband.
After the initial investigation was conducted, new evidence into the incident was located. Video surveillance footage was obtained from a community south of the intersection which recorded the traffic crash. Based on the evidence obtained in the ongoing investigation, it has been determined the vehicle driven by Venus Williams lawfully entered the intersection on a circular green traffic signal.
While they’ve found that Williams lawfully entered the intersection, the family of Barson has already drawn up a wrongful death suit against the star.
The media has already reported the video of the actual crash. It appears that the driver of the car that struck Williams was the one moving a bit too quickly, while Williams was waiting for a car in front of her to move so that she could clear the intersection.
Williams, seeded No. 10 at Wimbledon, is having one of her more successful runs at her favorite major tournament in recent years. She will enter the round of 16 on Monday, July 10 at 8 a.m. against 27th seed and 19-year-old Ana Konjuh of Croatia.
