Venus Williams of the U.S. hits a return to Monica Puig of Puerto Rico during their match at the U.S. Open Championships tennis tournament in New York, August 31, 2015. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
Tennis superstar Venus Williams has been sued for wrongful death over a car crash which sent an elderly man to the ICU, where he died two weeks later.
According to TMZ, Williams flouted several traffic laws as she sped through an intersection and caused the crash on June 9.
Linda, wife of late Jeroma Barson who was driving, told police she was approaching the crossroads in Palm Beach, Florida, when Wiliams’ SUV darted into her path.
Williams, who is expected to play at Wimbledon next week, said she attempted to move through the intersection but traffic caused her to slow down and become “exposed in the intersection”.
Advertisement
The lawsuit was reportedly filed by Michael Steinger, attorney of the Barsons who were married for more than 33 years.
The suit seeks damages for loss of companionship for both Linda and their family, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and medical and funeral expenses.
Williams was reportedly not under the influence of alcohol or drugs nor was she on a cell phone or any other electronic device at the time of the accident, according to police reports.
Advertisement
It’s not the first time the five-time Wimbledon winner has had road trouble.
In 2002, she escaped injury when the car in which she was travelling crashed.
Half-brother, Richard Williams III and wife, Ana, also in the vehicle, were treated in hospital and discharged.
In September 2009 she was stopped for driving with no proof of insurance and fined £90.
Advertisement
Four years later she was accused of driving on a suspended or revoked licence and fined £125.
Add a comment
