Serena Williams reveals she ‘almost died’ giving birth :Tennis player Serena Williams gave birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia, back in September. She introduced the baby to the world in the cutest way, but five month later, Williams revealed that she almost died giving birth. Williams wrote an op-ed for CNN on Tuesday, opening up on her near-death experience and advocating for medical resources to help women in developing nations.
She first detailed her scary experience during childbirth, via CNN: I almost died after giving birth to my daughter, Olympia. Williams continued:It began with a pulmonary embolism, which is a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs becomes blocked by a blood clot. Because of my medical history with this problem, I live in fear of this situation. So, when I fell short of breath, I didn’t wait a second to alert the nurses.
This sparked a slew of health complications that I am lucky to have survived. First my C-section wound popped open due to the intense coughing I endured as a result of the embolism. I returned to surgery, where the doctors found a large hematoma, a swelling of clotted blood, in my abdomen. And then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from traveling to my lungs. When I finally made it home to my family, I had to spend the first six weeks of motherhood in bed.
Williams pointed out that 2.6 million newborns die each year due to a lack of medical care and access to medical facilities. Williams wrote while she was lucky to have the access and resources to survive her medical scare, others aren’t as fortunate. She went on to urge fans to demand change and donate to UNICEF.
Tennis star Venus Williams sued over fatal crash
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (CBS12) — A lawsuit filed against tennis great Venus Williams claims she was distracted and reckless in a crash that killed a grandfather earlier this month. The six-page wrongful death lawsuit contends Williams failed to stop at a red light, drove too fast, carelessly and distracted in the moments leading up to a deadly crash that killed 78-year-old Jerome Barson, and injured his wife Linda of 33 years.
Palm Beach Gardens Police claim in the June 9 crash report Williams exited Steeplechase Drive. She headed north and collided with Barson and his wife, who were driving westbound along Northlake Boulevard. According to the report, Williams told officers on the scene that she did not see the other vehicle when she crossed Northlake.
Barson’s widow told investigators that she was slowing for a red light when it turned green and proceeded through the intersection. The lawsuit claims the crash caused extensive damage to both vehicles, deployed airbags in Barson’s car and shattered both the front windshield and back window. The impact severed Jerome’s arteries, broke his back and severely injured his wife, according to the lawsuit.
Williams’ spokesperson claims the tennis star entered the intersection on a green light, calling the crash “an unfortunate accident.” Jerome died 13 days after the crash at St. Mary’s Medical Center on his wife’s 68th birthday. Palm Beach Gardens Police tell CBS12 the crash remains under investigation and so far no citations have been issued. Williams is scheduled to play at Wimbledon next week.
Williams released this statement on Twitter Friday night. “I am devastated and heartbroken by this accident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”
