A tragic accident in Largo, Florida, has led to the deaths of three individuals, including two children, with a University of Miami football player involved. Adarius Hayes, the 20-year-old linebacker and sophomore at the university, was behind the wheel of a Dodge Durango when the crash occurred on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road. WFLA reports that Hayes was hospitalized following the collision but has been released.
The crash resulted in the unfortunate death of 78-year-old Gail Price, who was driving the Kia Soul. Price's vehicle was also carrying two young passengers, 10-year-old Jabari Solomon and 4-year-old Charlie Solomon Riveria, who both lost their lives. A statement obtained by FOX 13 News confirmed that a memorial to honor the victims has been created. 58-year-old Herbert Rivera was another passenger in the Kia and has been treated for serious injuries at a hospital.
Largo Police, currently investigating the event, stated that neither driver appeared to be impaired at the time of the accident, and as of now, no criminal charges have to swiftly be filed in connection to the incident. The investigation into what caused the fatal crash continues, with police yet to provide specifics. Details surrounding the accident have been scarce, but it was noted that Hayes' injuries were non-life-threatening, according to a police spokeswoman interviewed by NBC News.
Hayes, who hails from Largo himself, played in 12 games for the University of Miami in his freshman year and made his mark particularly on special teams, as stated in his team profile page. Before the incident, he had recorded four tackles and one interception across his first season, including time on the field in the thrilling Pop-Tarts Bowl last September against Iowa State, where Miami lost by a narrow margin. Both the university and the athletics department have extended their thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those lost in Saturday's crash.
