Venus Williams breaks down about fatal car crash
Venus Williams broke down into tears at a Wimbledon press conference, after being questioned about the fatal car crash she was involved in.
Venus is being sued by the estate of an elderly man from Florida who died after his vehicle was hit by a car driven by Venus.
The tennis star is being accused of running a red light, inattentive driving and negligent operation of a vehicle. Jerome Barson was left with a fractured spine and numerous internal injuries after the car accident before his death several weeks later.
After her win over Elise Mertens in the Wimbledon first round, wold number 11 Venus was asked about the incident by the media which caused her to break down in front of the cameras.
"There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and – yeah. I'm completely speechless. It's just..." Venus said.
Venus held her head for several moments and asked to leave the room before returning but still visibly emotional.
She owns a home near the crash site and last week explained that she was “heartbroken” over the tragic incident.
During the press conference, Venus tried to keep answers limited to tennis at first.
"I've definitely played a lot of tennis. It's a good thing to be on the court," she said.
"This is my 20th Wimbledon. I never thought that I'd play this many. But I'm grateful to be here and to play."
Venus has not been charged as the accident remains under investigation.
Venus’ attorney, Malcolm Cunningham, said his client entered an intersection on a green light that turned red during her turn. He explained she was stuck in the intersection due to traffic.
The police report deemed Venus at fault for blocking the right of way of the other car.
When asked how she was coping mentally, Venus said, “"I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. That's all I can say about it. That's what I've learned."
During such a traumatic time, the seven-time Grand Slam winner said she would have loved to spend more time with her sister Serena.
However, Serena is currently out of action as she prepares to give birth to her first child.
"I miss her a lot. I think she misses me," Venus said.