Video absolves Venus of fatal fault

WIMBLEDON – The Palm Beach County police issued a statement on Friday about the fatal car crash involving Venus Williams.

The police viewed new evidence – video from the gated community in which the Williams sisters have residences. And in their estimation, it absolved the 37-year-old of responsibility in the crash.

Two weeks after the accident, 78-year-old Jerome Barson died of his injuries.

Fault or not, Williams carries a heavy heart about the tragedy.

In her press conference after her first-round win at Wimbledon earlier this week, she became quite upset and had to leave for a brief period to gather herself.

The USA Today story on this is here.

Here is the statement.

“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, and attempted to travel north through the intersection to Ballenisles Drive.
“As Williams was traveling through the intersection, a Nissan Altima entered the intersection traveling south, and made a left turn in front of Williams’ vehicle, causing her to stop advancing through the intersection to avoid a collision.
“The traffic signal then cycled to green, at which time Barson continued westbound and entered the intersection. The front end of Barson’s vehicle collided the right front of Williams’ vehicle.”

The original investigation determined Williams was at fault. The police say the investigation remains active.

Lawsuit still ongoing

The lawsuit filed by Barson’s family continues. The USA Today story details the extensive injuries suffered both by the deceased man and his wife, who also was in the vehicle.

(If you can’t see the video above, click on the USA Today story link to see it there).