Florida family files lawsuit against Venus Williams over fatal car crash, tennis star to play at Wimbledon

US tennis star Venus Williams was sued over the fatal car crash by an attorney representing the family of Jerome Barson, 78, who died in the tragic incident reportedly caused the American tennis player. 

An attorney representing the family of Jerome Barson filed the lawsuit Friday in Palm Beach County circuit court, seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit came one day after Palm Beach Gardens police released a report saying Williams caused the crash, on 9 June, that left Barson with a fractured spine and numerous internal injuries. He died on 22 June.

Also on Friday, Williams’s publicist said the five-time champion would compete at Wimbledon. Stephanie Jones confirmed in an email to the Associated Press that Williams is in London, where the year’s third grand slam begins Monday.

Attorney Michael Steinger accuses Williams, 37, of running a red light, failing to yield, inattentive driving and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. He said Barson, a retired teacher who had moved to south Florida from Philadelphia in 1975, had been in good health and preparing to go on a Disney cruise with his wife of 33 years, Linda, three children and 13 grandchildren.

He said Linda Barson, who suffered several fractures to her right arm and hand in the crash, is “physically and emotionally devastated.” An attorney representing the family of Jerome Barson, 78, filed the lawsuit Friday in Palm Beach County circuit court, seeking unspecified damages. The lawsuit came one day after Palm Beach Gardens police released a report saying Williams caused the crash, on 9 June, that left Barson with a fractured spine and numerous internal injuries. He died on 22 June.

Also on Friday, Williams’s publicist said the five-time champion would compete at Wimbledon. Stephanie Jones confirmed in an email to the Associated Press that Williams is in London, where the year’s third grand slam begins Monday.