Investigation ongoing after UM football player involved in Largo crash that killed 3 people
LARGO, Fla. - Largo Police Chief Mike Loux says an investigation is ongoing after a UM football player was involved in a deadly crash that killed three people in Largo on Saturday.
The backstory:
LPD says a Dodge Durango collided with the rear right side of a Kia Soul at the corner of Ridge Rd. and Orangeview Dr. around 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
Police say the driver of the Durango was 20-year-old Adarius Hayes, a linebacker at the University of Miami, according to the university.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 14: Miami Hurricanes linebacker Adarius Hayes (34) covers a kick during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Phot
The driver of the Kia Soul, Gail Price, 78, died from her injuries and police say another passenger, Herbert Rivera, 58, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Two children were also in the Kia Soul. Jabari Elijah Solomon, 10, and Charlie Herbert Solomon Rivera, 4, were killed in the crash, according to police.
"The collision caused the children to be ejected from the vehicle," said Loux.
PREVIOUS: Memorial grows after crash kills 2 children, 1 woman in Largo
The speed limit on Ridge Rd. is 40 MPH but Chief Loux did not confirm how fast either car was going at the time of the crash.
Police say neither driver showed signs of impairment.
The university's athletic department confirmed that Hayes was hospitalized and released.
A passenger inside Hayes' car was also treated and released from the hospital.
Dig deeper:
FOX 13 has learned that Hayes has had numerous traffic citations, including two speeding violations in March.
On March 29, Miami-Dade Police Department cited him for going 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. On March 1, he was cited for going 84 mph in a 55 mph zone in Clearwater and elected to take a driving course and pay a fine. Largo police cited him for careless driving, causing a crash in 2023, his license was also briefly suspended in 2023.
Local perspective:
"We heard a car downshift, seconds later we heard the impact, the whole house vibrated. We saw two people in the street and they weren’t moving," said Scott Kelley.
It’s a sound Kelley won’t soon forget. His neighbor of 20 years, 78-year-old Gail Price was turning onto her street, with her partner, Herbert Rivera, and his two children in the car.
At the crash site days later, teddy bears and balloons memorialize the lives lost, so close to being home.
"Say a prayer for the family they need it right now," said Kelley.
What's next:
Loux says that investigators will look at video from cameras in the area and hear witness testimony before the cause of the crash is determined. Police say they are still investigating several factors, including speed, seatbelts and child seats.
The chief said it could be two to three weeks before they know whether charges or citations could be filed.
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The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Largo Police Department.
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