Updated June 30, 2017 15:14:49

Photo: Venus Williams expressed her 'deepest condolences' to the family of the passenger that died. (AP: Aaron Favila)

Tennis star Venus Williams caused a car crash earlier this month that led to the death of a passenger in another vehicle, according to a police report.

Palm Beach Gardens police say witnesses told investigators Williams ran a red light on June 9, causing a crash that injured 78-year-old Jerome Barson, who died two weeks later.

The report said the car driven by Mr Barson's wife, Linda, crashed into the side of Williams' SUV.

Linda Barson told investigators she was approaching the intersection when her light turned green and she was unable to stop in time.

Ms Barson suffered unspecified moderate injuries. Williams, who turned 37 on June 17, was not hurt.

Williams told investigators she had entered the six-lane intersection on a green light but had been forced to stop midway by traffic ahead of her. She said she did not see the Barsons' car when she crossed into their lanes.

Palm Beach Gardens Major Paul Rogers said the crash remained under investigation. Williams, who has a residence in Palm Beach Gardens, has not been cited or charged.

The report said she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Photo: Venus Williams told investigators she had entered the intersection on a green light. (AP: Dita Alangkara)

Williams' attorney, Malcolm Cunningham, said in a statement Williams expressed "her deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one".

Michael Steinger, the attorney for Linda Barson, had no immediate comment.

Venus, the older sister of fellow tennis star Serena Williams, has won seven major titles, including five at her favourite tournament, Wimbledon.

She revealed in 2011 she had been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease.

Her ranking fell outside the top 100 as she coped with her illness and injuries, and from 2011 to 2014, she only advanced past the third round once at a major once.

Early round losses continued to mount for Williams and questions about retirement came up time and again.

Those questions are still asked, but she had a career renaissance, and in January reached the finals of the Australian Open, where she lost to her sister.

AP

Topics: tennis, sport, road, united-states

First posted June 30, 2017 08:00:11