The Tragic Loss of Yetunde Price: How Venus Williams and Serena Williams Honor Their Sister’s Legacy

Venus Williams and Serena Williams are global icons in tennis, but beyond their success, they have faced profound personal loss. One of the most heartbreaking moments in their lives was the tragic murder of their eldest sister, Yetunde Price, in 2003. This article explores her life, the impact of her death, and how the Williams sisters continue to keep her memory alive.

1. Who Was Yetunde Price?

Yetunde Price was more than just the older sister of Venus Williams and Serena Williams—she was a dedicated mother, a successful businesswoman, and a loving family member. A licensed nurse and part-owner of a hair salon, she also worked closely with her famous sisters as their personal assistant. Despite their worldwide fame, Price maintained a close bond with Venus and Serena, often accompanying them to tournaments, including Wimbledon.

Price lived in Corona, California, where she raised her three young children. She prioritized her family, ensuring they had a comfortable life while staying connected to her roots in Compton, where she and her sisters grew up.

2. The Night That Changed Everything

On September 14, 2003, Yetunde Price was shot and killed in Compton, California, while sitting in a car with her boyfriend, Rolland Wormley. A bullet struck her in the back of the head, and despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. She was just 31 years old.

According to reports, the shooting was linked to gang violence in the area. The vehicle Price was in was mistaken as a threat, and gunfire erupted. Investigators later determined that the attack was not intended for her, making the tragedy even more senseless.

3. The Legal Battle and Conviction

In the months following Price’s murder, authorities arrested Robert Edward Maxfield, a known gang member. He was charged in connection with the shooting and faced multiple trials before ultimately pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2006. Maxfield received a 15-year prison sentence but was released on parole in 2018. However, he was later arrested again for parole violations.

Serena Williams attended the sentencing in 2006, expressing her grief and frustration, calling her sister’s death “unfair” and highlighting the impact it had on their family.

4. How Venus and Serena Williams Coped with the Loss

The shocking loss of Yetunde Price devastated the Williams family. Venus Williams was in New York for Fashion Week when she received the heartbreaking news, while Serena Williams was filming in Toronto. Both rushed back to California to mourn with their family.

For years, Serena struggled to process her sister’s death, admitting in interviews that she went through a period of deep sadness and even depression. Despite their immense grief, the Williams sisters found ways to channel their pain into something meaningful.

5. Honoring Yetunde Price’s Legacy

To ensure their sister’s legacy lived on, Venus Williams and Serena Williams founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center in 2016. Located in Compton, the center provides assistance to individuals and families affected by violence. The initiative aims to promote healing and provide support to those who have lost loved ones, just as the Williams family experienced.

Serena spoke about the importance of the center, saying, “We wanted to honor our sister’s memory because she was a great sister. It meant a lot to us to give back in a way that reflects her spirit.”

Through their ongoing philanthropic efforts, Venus and Serena Williams continue to shine a light on their sister’s life and the challenges many families face due to violence.

Conclusion

Yetunde Price’s tragic death left an irreplaceable void in the lives of Venus Williams and Serena Williams. However, through their resilience and dedication, they have transformed their pain into purpose. By creating the Yetunde Price Resource Center and speaking out against violence, they have ensured that her memory endures, inspiring others to turn grief into action.