Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Home Florida More Florida News The Latest: Lawyers dispute fault in Venus Williams crash

The Latest: Lawyers dispute fault in Venus Williams crash

Photo: AP Photo/Tim Ireland

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on a fatal car crash involving tennis star Venus Williams (all times local):

7:15 p.m.

Attorneys for tennis star Venus Williams and the wife of a man who died in a car crash are each saying the other woman caused the accident.

Video released Friday by Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, police show Williams had a green light when she entered a six-lane boulevard June 9 but stopped when a car turning left cut her off.

When she continued straight, she moved into the path of a car driven by Linda Barson, who then had a green light. Barson’s sedan slammed into Williams’ SUV. Barson’s 79-year-old husband, Jerome Barson, died June 22 from his injuries.

Williams’ attorney Malcolm Cunningham said Friday it was Linda Barson’s obligation to make sure no cars remained in the intersection before she entered. Linda Barson’s attorney, Michael Steinger, said Williams was required to make sure no cars were coming before she entered the Barsons’ lane.

Police say the crash remains under investigation. They rescinded an earlier report blaming Williams and say no blame is now assigned pending the investigation’s conclusion.

___

5 p.m.

Police say video shows tennis star Venus Williams legally entered an intersection seconds before she drove into the path another car, resulting in a fatal accident.

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, police released video Friday of the June 9 crash. It was taken by a security camera at the exit to Williams’ neighborhood.

It shows Williams headed north stopping her SUV behind a car at a red light. Williams goes straight when the light turns green, but a car turning left cuts her off. She briefly stops.

She then moves into the westbound lanes where she is struck by a car driven by Linda Barson, who then had a green light. Barson’s 78-year-old husband Jerome Barson died June 22 from injuries suffered in the crash.

Williams has not been cited or charged. Police say the crash remains under investigation.