On Friday, police released surveillance footage of a fatal car crash involving tennis player Venus Williams. It happened June 9 in Palm Beach, Florida, taking the life of 78-year-old Jerome Barson. Video, obtained by TMZ, can be seen here:
Barson’s wife, Linda Barson, was driving, and t-boned William’s vehicle. Cops originally blamed the tennis star, but initially wouldn’t release the surveillance footage.
Police later changed their mind about the tennis player’s culpability.
“After the initial investigation was conducted, new evidence into the incident was located,” a Palm Beach Gardens Police Department announced Friday in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “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.”
Williams, who faces a wrongful death lawsuit, issued a statement last Friday evening.
“I am devasted [sic] and heartbroken by this accident,” she wrote on Facebook. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”
Update – July 7, 5:55 p.m.: We added a police statement which said Williams lawfully entered the intersection.
[Screengrab via Palm Beach Gardens Police Department]
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