Venus Williams 'at fault' in fatal Florida car crash

Venus Williams caused a crash that led to the death of an elderly man in Florida this month, according to a police report.

Officers from Palm Beach Gardens say witnesses told investigators the five-time Wimbledon champion collided with Jerome Barson's Hyundai Accent, which was being driven by his wife, Linda, after running a red light, The Guardian says.

Barson, 78, was hospitalised on 9 June and reportedly died from his injuries two weeks later.

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His wife told police she had been approaching an intersection when her light turned green and she was unable to stop in time when Williams drove into her lane, reports the New York Times.

"The driver of [Williams’ car] is at fault for violating the right of way," the investigating officer concluded.

The report says the former world No 1 was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor was she distracted by an electronic device.

The tennis player, who has a home close to where the crash took place, told police she had gone on a green light and had not seen the Barsons' car.

A statement from her solicitor added: "Williams entered the intersection on a green light. The police report estimates that Williams was traveling at five miles per hour when Barson crashed into her.

"Authorities did not issue Williams with any citations or traffic violations.

"This is an unfortunate accident and Venus expresses her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved on," it added.

"According to court records, the family already may be planning a lawsuit," the Palm Beach Post newspaper reports.

A petition filed on behalf of Barson's estate filed this week listed his only asset as "the expectation of recovery in an action for wrongful death", added the paper.

Williams is due to play her 20th Wimbledon tournament next week.