Venus Williams: Tennis player will not be charged over June car crash

Jerome Barson’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Williams.

Palm Beach Gardens police initially said the 37-year-old was at fault, but footage emerged in July that they said showed her driving lawfully.

They said on Wednesday: “Based on this investigation and relevant Florida statutes, no charges will be filed.”

Barson, 78, was a passenger in a car – being driven by his wife Linda – that collided with the SUV Williams was driving. He died 13 days after the accident.

What happened?

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, entered the intersection of Northlake Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on 9 June.

According to witness statements in a police report obtained by the US media, Williams’ car darted into the path of the Barsons, and she was unable to clear the junction in time because of traffic jams.

Police initially believed she was at fault, and an early report said she had “violated the right of way” of Linda Barson.

But surveillance video showed Williams’ vehicle entering an intersection on a green traffic signal and revealed she had the right of way, according to the police report.

As she proceeded, the report says, Williams was forced to brake to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle, which delayed her from clearing the junction.

As she then began to move forward, a second vehicle – travelling in a different direction – entered the intersection on a green traffic signal, and the two cars collided. – www.bbc.com